Conservation + Research
The Montana Raptor Conservation Center (MRCC) bands releasable raptors, generating crucial data for research on various aspects such as dispersal and migration, behavior and social structure, lifespan and survival rates, reproductive success, and population growth.
Current Research Initiatives
At present, MRCC provides blood and feather samples from Bald and Golden Eagles to Dr. Al Harmata. This research investigates the source of environmental lead present in local raptors. The project compares lead isotopes from birds known to have suffered from lead poisoning with those from free-flying birds captured for study.
Testing Procedures
We conduct lead testing in-house using a Lead Care II machine, which costs $400 for 48 tests, and we purchase two kits each year. For other blood tests, we typically send samples to the Minnesota Raptor Center, although some testing can also be performed at the Montana State Diagnostic Lab in Bozeman.
Montana Raptor Conservation Center contributes biological samples towards:
- “Assessing the Historic and Contemporary Genetic Diversity of Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles Across North America.” Dr. Maria Wheeler (Duquesne University), Dr. Brady Porter (Duquesne University), Dr. Todd Katzner (West Virginia University). https://dsc.duq.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2374&context=etd
- “Evaluating Links Between Diet, Trophic Position, and Eagle Movements.” Dr. Todd Katzner (West Virginia), Dr. David Nelson (University of Maryland)
- “Lead Isotope Ratios in Tissues of Golden Eagles in the Western United States: An Investigation Into Possible Sources of Contamination.” Dr. Al Harmata, (Montana State University Ecology Dept.)
- “Long-term band encounters of rehabilitated North American eagles” Dr. Al Harmata, MSU Bozeman, George J. Montopoli, Department of Mathematics & Environmental Science, Arizona Western College Yuma, AZ, Becky Kean, Montana Raptor Conservation Center, Bozeman, MT, Published in Intermountain Journal of Sciences
Evaluating the health of the Yellowstone River ecosystem in Montana by monitoring a sentinel species, the osprey (Pandion haliaetus):
- “Monitoring Contaminant Levels in Nestling Ospreys.” Kayhan Ostovar, (Rocky Mountain College), Marco Restani, (St. Cloud State University)
- “Determining Settlement Patterns of an expanding Osprey Populations” Kayhan Ostovar, (Rocky Mountain College), Marco Restani (St. Cloud State University)
Completed Studies
- Collaboration with Purdue University to provide biological samples from eagle eyes for the researchers to measure eagle vision and hearing to help wind farm engineers design effective deterrents that specifically target visual and auditory sensitivities of Bald and Golden Eagles.
