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Cloud Ridge Naturalists
Northern Goshawk
spacer Predator and Prey - Grand Canyon
 

OF NORTHERN GOSHAWKS AND KAIBAB
SQUIRRELS: THE LIFE HISTORY OF A
KEY PREDATOR AND ITS PREY ON THE
GRAND CANYON’S NORTH RIM

July 5-11, 2009
7 Days/6 Nights

Dr. Richard Reynolds and Dr. Marc Snyder

The northern goshawk’s pursuit of the squirrel is a fearsome blur, the final capture a marvel of unerring and deadly precision. Even as the goshawk relaxes the death grip of its talons, it’s the hunter’s amazing eyes—large, red and glowing—that will remain a lasting memory. Revered throughout human history as a symbol of strength and power, it is hardly surprising that the image of a northern goshawk adorned the helmet of Attila the Hun— or that in medieval Europe, goshawks were the most prized of all falconry hawks.

Viewed from the North Rim, the Grand Canyon is a tortuous, deeply gouged rockscape cleaved by an emerald green river, the Colorado, churning away some 3,000 feet below. Undeniably, superlatives come readily to mind when describing the Grand Canyon. At Point Sublime, the bustling tourist mecca of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim lies but seven miles away as the raven flies—but a world apart in every way. The North Rim is geographically part of the Kaibab Plateau, a magnificent landscape that harbors some of the most uniquely beautiful remnants of pre-settlement, old-growth ponderosa pine forest in the West. Two species of extraordinary interest occur here: the northern goshawk, one of the rarest of all raptors, and the beautifulKaibib Kaibab squirrel, a silvery-tailed subspecies of the tassel-eared squirrel, which has evolved in geographical isolation over thousands of years. This remote area also serves as the principal stronghold for a re-introduced population of endangered California condors. Wildlife biologist Richard Reynolds and a dedicated team of researchers and volunteers recently completed 18 years of ecological and habitat research focused on the northern goshawk and its food web—perhaps the most intensive study of a raptor ever undertaken. Over 123 breeding pairs of northern goshawks were identified, banded, and monitored during the course of the study. To understand the intricate relationship that exists between the goshawk and its principal prey species, biologist Marc Snyder joined the research effort, focusing his efforts on the population ecology and habitat requirements of tree squirrels and the ways in which these herbivores have shaped the genetic makeup of the forests on which the goshawk depends.

This exciting, hands-on field seminar exemplifies the unique experiences that have become a Cloud Ridge tradition. We’ll join the researchers in trapping and banding adult goshawks (using mist nets and live great horned owls as lures), assist with tree rigging and climbing efforts to band juvenile goshawks at their nests, help with visual surveys of active nests and identify the presence of previously-banded goshawks, learn to identify optimal goshawk nesting and foraging habitat, observe Kaibab squirrels and other prey species that comprise the goshawk’s food web, and discuss the major factors affecting prey abundance (weather, masting in conifers, etc.). Our base camp will be the U.S. Forest Service’s Big Springs Ranger Station, located near Jacob Lake, Arizona. We’ll also spend two nights camped at Marble View Point, one of the most spectacular settings on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, taking time to hike canyon rim trails and explore the stunning forest ecosystems of the Kaibab Plateau. We’ll examine the role of fire as a dynamic force in forest ecology and discuss the science behind the current strategies being proposed to manage these forests—the ultimate test for the long term survival of the northern goshawk. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to participate in the most important goshawk research effort ever undertaken— and the chance to explore the Grand Canyon’s legendary North Rim!

Price: $1,350 (includes a $500 deposit)
Group Size: 16
Trip Rating: 3
Price Includes: all instruction and instructional materials, USFS and NPS camping fees and entrance permits as required, use of hot showers and other amenities at the Big Springs Ranger Station, 16 gourmet camping meals provided by your Cloud Ridge chefs, and all transport in 4WD vehicles to the field areas.
Does not include transportation to or from the Big Springs Ranger Station from your point of departure, basic camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, and pad), or meals other than those listed. We recommend that anyone not wishing to drive the entire distance take advantage of the inexpensive flights to Las Vegas and rent a car at the airport for the two-hour drive south.

The seminar begins at 4 pm on July 5 (Sunday) at the Big Springs Ranger Station and concludes with your departure for home on the morning of July 11 (Saturday).

Registration form 2009 (PDF) |  Trip Information Page

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