Each nesting season for the last 60 years, researchers with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Geological Survey, and more recently, the Raptor Research Center at Boise State University have monitored the golden eagle population in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. This is the longest running study of golden eagles in the world. This long-term study examines golden eagle population status, breeding biology, and post-fledging behavior to better understand the environmental factors shaping eagle survival and conservation in the western United States.

This summer, the Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Partnership (BOPP) was thrilled to host Annabel, a Boise State University student, as our Science Communications Intern through the Andrus Scholars Program.

The National Conservation Lands protect over 38 million acres of America’s most ecologically, culturally, and scenically valuable public lands. The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, one of the first NCAs ever established, exemplifies this mission.

Discover how raptor biologist Zoe Bonerbo is studying prairie falcons in the NCA, exploring their nesting success, foraging behavior, and the factors affecting their survival. Learn how this research helps protect one of North America’s most unique grassland predators.

The long term data set has shown that prairie falcons have increased in abundance within the boundaries of the NCA showing that, for the moment, the area is an effective conservation refuge.