Determining Habitat Preference of Wintering Raptors Using Roadside Surveys

The habitat preferences of wintering raptors has been poorly researched. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to, by using roadside surveys, determine which habitat type (agricultural, forested, or urban) would be the most diverse, which habitat would have the highest raptor abundance, and if certain raptor species were more prevalent in one habitat type. The surveys were collected from 1/22/18 to 2/28/18. The surveys were done in northern Dutchess, southern Columbia, and Ulster counties in NY. The habitat with the highest abundance and diversity was agricultural. Seven different raptor species were observed during data collection: Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), Merlin (Falco columbarius), Coopers/Sharp-Shinned Hawk (Accipiter cooperii/Accipiter striatus), Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), and Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus). The most abundant raptor species observed across all three habitat types was Red-Tailed Hawk and Turkey Vulture. The results of this study show the need for season-based management strategies in order to provide good habitat for raptors year-round.