HawkWatch International

What HawkWatch International does

HawkWatch International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1986 in Salt Lake City, Utah, with operational roots going back to 1977. The organization operates the largest single-run standardized network of raptor migration sites in the world, currently maintaining monitoring sites at 12+ locations across the American West including Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, Alaska, Oregon, and Texas. Its core scientific work involves long-term standardized migration counts and raptor banding at four sites (Bonney Butte, Commissary Ridge, Goshute Mountains, and Manzano Mountains), producing a longitudinal dataset of 15M+ raptors counted and 100k+ raptors banded that feeds into the Hawk Migration Association of North America's Raptor Population Index.

The organization delivers education through a portfolio of programs anchored by ten non-releasable Raptor Ambassadors (live birds used for school, library, and community presentations) and the free Raptor ID mobile app. Education offerings are structured around NGSS and Utah SEEd standards for K-12, with specialized programs for underserved audiences including Spanish speakers and individuals with disabilities (Nature Gap Program). The consulting services practice provides raptor research and environmental assessment work for external clients.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of individual donations (monthly Raptor Regulars program, planned giving, micro-donations), foundation and corporate grants (Salt Lake County ZAP, Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, Eccles Foundation, Pacific Power Foundation, and others), federal and state agency funding, education program fees, merchandise sales, and consulting services. The migration network alone costs nearly $800,000 annually to operate, with volunteer crew members contributing over $500,000 in time each year. Operations are supported by an ecosystem of partnerships with federal land and wildlife agencies (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management), state wildlife agencies, and local Audubon chapters.

Name

HawkWatch International

Legal name

HawkWatch International

Website

https://hawkwatch.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

HawkWatch International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1986 that operates the world's largest standardized raptor migration monitoring network across the American West, delivering long-term population research, K-12 education programs with live Raptor Ambassadors, and a free Raptor ID mobile app.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213), Hunting and Trapping (114210)

SIC

Fishing, Hunting And Trapping (900)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Surveys & Movement/Connectivity Studies (e.g., Avian/Bat, Telemetry) (EUAHAHAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching Tours (THAAAEAB), Inspection, Monitoring & Maintenance Programs (Audits, Compliance, Recertification) (HSAMAGAN)

Keywords

• Raptor conservation research
• Wildlife migration monitoring
• Raptor education programs
• Citizen science birding
• Live bird presentations

Headquarters

HQ city

Salt Lake City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Primary revenue stream from individual donors making one-time or recurring (monthly) contributions. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 85-0358519). Donors can give through website, monthly giving program (Raptor Regulars), or planned giving/legacy gifts.
2. Monthly Giving Program (Raptor Regulars): Recurring monthly donation program where supporters contribute set amounts ($15, $30, $60, $120 or custom) on a monthly basis. Provides reliable funding throughout the year with exclusive updates and benefits for participants.
3. Planned Giving and Estate Gifts: Legacy giving opportunities including gifts by trust, retirement account beneficiary designations, IRA charitable rollovers (up to $100,000 annually for donors 70½ or older), life insurance policies, and bequests by will.
4. Merchandise Sales: Online store selling branded merchandise including apparel, books (Hawks at a Distance, In-hand Guide), the Raptor ID app, and adoption packages for banded hawks.
5. Education Program Fees: Fees for school programs, community programs, and custom events featuring live Raptor Ambassadors. Programs available for K-12 schools, libraries, summer camps, disability services, and Spanish-speaking audiences.
6. Government and Foundation Grants: Funding from government agencies and private foundations including Salt Lake County ZAP program, Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, and others supporting education programs and migration monitoring.
7. Consulting Services: Professional consulting services for wildlife management, raptor research, and environmental assessment as referenced on their consulting services page.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

HawkWatch International operates the largest standardized network of raptor migration monitoring sites in the world, conducting long-term population counts and banding operations across the American West to produce scientific data on raptor population trends. The organization delivers live-bird education programs through ten non-releasable Raptor Ambassadors for K-12 schools, libraries, and community events, and sells a free Raptor ID mobile application plus identification fact sheets for citizen scientists and birders. Additional offerings include consulting services for wildlife management and environmental assessment, scientific publications, and various giving programs (monthly, planned, species adoption, and operational sponsorship).

Product overview

HawkWatch International is a nonprofit raptor conservation organization founded in 1986, offering a portfolio of education and research programs. Its core offerings include the Migration Network (the largest standardized network of raptor migration sites in the world), Raptor Ambassador Programs (live bird education presentations), a Raptor ID mobile app, Raptor ID Fact Sheets (40+ species guides), Consulting Services, Publications, and various giving programs (Monthly Giving, Planned Giving). Additional programs include the Nature Gap Program for underserved audiences and Feed the Birds sponsorship. The organization operates over a dozen migration count sites across the American West and has educated over 500,000 people.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Migration Network Largest single-run standardized network of raptor migration sites in the world, conducting annual raptor migration counts at 12+ active locations across the American West and contributing data to HMANA's Raptor Population Index. For conservation researchers, federal/state agencies, and foundations using data for population trend analysis and conservation planning.
• Raptor Ambassador Programs Live bird education programs featuring ten non-releasable Raptor Ambassadors (Western Screech-owl, Swainson's Hawk, Barn Owl, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Bald Eagle, Merlin, Great Horned Owl, American Kestrel, Harris's Hawk) for K-12 schools, libraries, summer camps, disability services, Spanish-speaking audiences, and private events. Standards-aligned to NGSS and Utah SEEd standards.
• Raptor ID Mobile App Free mobile application featuring nearly 1,000 annotated photos, range maps, vocalizations, and narrated identification videos to help birders and citizen scientists identify raptors in flight. Available on Apple and Android platforms.
• Raptor ID Fact Sheets Web-based identification guides for 40+ raptor species including Great Horned Owl, Barn Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, and many others, with detailed morphology, flight patterns, and conservation information for birders and educators.
• Consulting Services Professional consulting services for raptor-related research, conservation planning, and environmental assessment, offered to government agencies, developers, and other organizations needing raptor expertise.
• Publications Scientific publications, research papers, and educational materials including the landmark In-hand Guide book on raptor identification, available through the online store.
• Nature Gap Program Science education initiative bringing raptor ambassadors and hands-on learning to underserved audiences and marginalized communities, including free programs for high-need schools, materials for autism spectrum programs, and Spanish-language presentations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 15M+ raptors counted through migration monitoring programs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Goal ZerocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides solar panel and battery storage technology to power research operations at remote migration sites without grid power. Critical infrastructure partner enabling continuous data collection at ridge-line watch sites.
• Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHawkWatch contributes migration count data to HMANA which aggregates data from count sites across North America to assess population trends through the Raptor Population Index project.
• Hawk Mountain SanctuarymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership established in 1990 to standardize Veracruz River of Raptors count site in Mexico. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary was the founding partner before site transitioned to Pronatura Veracruz.
• Sacajawea Audubon SocietymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners to operate Bridger Mountains HawkWatch site in Montana, continuing former HWI migration monitoring at this location.
• Gulf Coast Bird ObservatorymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners to operate Smith Point HawkWatch in Texas, continuing migration monitoring at this Gulf Coast location.
• Pronatura VeracruzmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCurrent operator of Veracruz River of Raptors HawkWatch in Mexico, one of the most important raptor migration sites in the world.
• Florida Keys HawkWatchmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormer HWI site now operating as independent entity, maintaining raptor migration monitoring in the Florida Keys.
• Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor funder providing grant support for education programs. ZAP is a publicly funded program annually supporting over 230 arts and cultural nonprofits serving 8+ million visitors.
• Bureau of Land ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal land management agency overseeing Commissary Ridge site location and providing operational support.
• Alaska Fish and GamecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState wildlife agency partner for Gunsight Mountain HawkWatch operations in Alaska.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency providing permits and support for Gunsight Mountain HawkWatch. Also issues Education Special Use permits for Raptor Ambassadors.
• Anchorage Audubon SocietymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal Audubon chapter supporting Gunsight Mountain HawkWatch operations.
• U.S. Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal land management agency overseeing Bonney Butte site location in Mt. Hood National Forest.
• National Park ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency overseeing Grand Canyon HawkWatch location within Grand Canyon National Park.
• Grand Canyon ConservancymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational park partner supporting Grand Canyon HawkWatch operations.
• Arizona Game and Fish DepartmentmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState wildlife agency supporting Grand Canyon HawkWatch operations.
• Audubon Outdoor ClubmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner supporting Corpus Christi HawkWatch operations.
• Nueces CountymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner for Corpus Christi HawkWatch located in Hazel Bazemore County Park.
• Swarovski OptikminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOptics company providing equipment support for Corpus Christi HawkWatch operations.
• Tubac Nature CentermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner supporting Tubac HawkWatch operations in Arizona.
• Tucson Bird AlliancemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBird conservation organization partner supporting Tubac HawkWatch operations.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Audubon Society: Largest U.S. bird conservation nonprofit with extensive centers, sanctuaries, and policy work. Comparable in bird education, citizen science, and conservation mission; not raptor-specialized but a key ecosystem peer and partner.
• Birds Canada (Bird Studies Canada): National nonprofit driving bird monitoring, research, and citizen science across Canada. Comparable as a larger-scale bird conservation and citizen science organization, but broader than raptor-specific.
• Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Major academic-affiliated bird research and citizen-science institution producing large-scale datasets such as eBird. Comparable as a broader bird research and education authority, though not raptor-specialized.

Direct peers

• Golden Gate Raptor Observatory: Volunteer-based raptor migration monitoring and banding program in California, part of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. Directly comparable as a regional raptor migration count and banding operator.
• Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA): Aggregator of raptor migration count data across North America through the Raptor Population Index. Directly comparable as a coordinating body for raptor migration counts, with which HawkWatch shares data.
• Hawk Mountain Sanctuary: One of the oldest raptor monitoring and conservation organizations in North America, operating the world's first hawk count site and an education program with live raptors. Most directly comparable peer given shared raptor-counting, banding, and education mission.
• World Bird Sanctuary: Nonprofit raptor conservation and education center operating live-bird programming, rehabilitation, and species recovery work. Comparable as a raptor-focused nonprofit combining education ambassadors, rehabilitation, and conservation breeding.
• The Peregrine Fund: Nonprofit dedicated to conserving birds of prey through research, captive breeding, and education, including the World Center for Birds of Prey. Comparable in mission focus on raptors, captive bird education, and applied conservation science.

Emerging players

• Raptor Education Foundation: Regional nonprofit focused on live raptor education programs and conservation outreach. Comparable niche focus on ambassador-style raptor education but smaller scale than HawkWatch's national footprint.

Regional players

• Pronatura México: Leading Mexican conservation nonprofit currently operating the Veracruz River of Raptors count site in partnership with HawkWatch. Comparable as a regional conservation nonprofit running raptor migration monitoring and environmental programs in Latin America.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/hawkwatchint
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/hawkwatch
• Facebookfacebook.com/HawkWatch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hawk-watch-international
• Instagraminstagram.com/hawkwatch/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HawkWatch International