HawkWatch International (HWI) focuses on birds of prey (raptors) for many reasons. They are magnificent creatures and we work to protect them so that future generations can know their beauty. Raptors also help bring balance to the environment by regulating insect and rodent populations that can damage crops or transmit disease. In addition, raptors are valuable environmental barometers that can alert us to problems within the world we share.

Much of what HWI does is dedicated to collecting data on raptors as they migrate. We do this not only to gauge the health of their populations (to determine if a species needs to be listed as endangered or threatened), but also to gauge the health of our shared environment. Government, corporate and other environmental organizations use our data to aid in developing and managing their environmental plans. HWI's Conservation Strategy addresses reducing threats to raptors, such as power line electrocutions, habitat loss, and toxic contamination. Through its education program, HWI seeks to raise awareness of the importance and beauty of raptors and environmental stewardship. Our programs feature live raptors (under federal permit HWI cares for eight non-releasable hawks) that serve as exceptional teaching tools for helping people understand basic ecological concepts.