During the summer of 2024, I spent 3 months surveying for Goshawks in the Sierra Nevada range in California with the Institute for Bird Populations. This project started out of my interest in learning more about raptors and how to keep them wild, and how humans are contributing the Goshawk's decline. This temporary job became a passion project film, and these stills are taken of my work colleagues in the field. For this job we obtained occupancy and reproduction status on American Goshawks, listed as a sensitive species, by transecting cross country on extremely rough terrain. We determined occupancy through identifying active nest structures, evidence of prey remains, feather identification, and auditory and visual signals. We were entrusted with sensitive data, such as exact nest location, occupancy status, and fledgling success of Goshawks in Stanislaus National Forest. This job required navigation through the woods with a compass and Garmin GPS and driving 4WD trucks on dirt roads through active logging areas. We practiced changing vehicle tires in remote field settings and were trained in safety procedures in case of an emergency.

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Ethics disclaimer: The photos of Northern Spotted Owls in this gallery were taken alongside biologists and field technicians with the Institute of Bird Populations Spotted Owl research team. Photos were also taken while out in the field surveying for Goshawks, when we stumpled upon a breeding pair. Photos were taken with no disturbance to the animals or the environment they call home.