Research
Teton Raptor Center’s research team and dedicated conservation volunteers spend countless hours studying raptors across the forest, sagebrush and grassland communities of Wyoming. Our collaborative research on migration ecology also includes fieldwork in Montana, and several of our study species having migratory routes that extend north to Alaska and Northern Canada. We collaborate with fellow researchers from other non-profit organizations, as well as state and federal agency biologists and local land managers to ensure long-standing conservation for raptors.
The TRC research team also innovates, creating the technologies they need to study these amazing animals. Teton Raptor Center has developed SoundScout Automated Recording Units which are used by research teams across the country to collect important data for wildlife studies, with proceeds supporting TRC’s research and conservation programs.
A subset of our research team studying Golden Eagles during migration. From left to right Adrian Rouse, Sarah Ramirez, Bryan Bedrosian, Julie Polasik, and Step Wilson.
Primary Areas of Research
Movement Ecology and Habitat Mapping
We study breeding season, winter season and migratory movements of multiple species of raptors in western North America. Our movement ecology data is used to map and model key migration corridors, seasonal habitats, and home ranges to guide management actions.
Population Ecology
Our biologists monitor populations of raptors across Wyoming via collaborative statewide surveys. We also help maintain breeding populations of raptors by providing nesting structures to offset habitat loss and mitigate for future habitat disturbance.
Bioacoustics
Our scientists have created new, more effective monitoring protocols for sensitive and secretive forest raptors through passive, acoustic recordings. We also utilize audio data to differentiate between individuals within a species based on unique characteristics of territorial calls.
Genetics and Lead Research
Our research team is involved in several collaborative projects ranging from mapping Bald Eagle and Greater Sage-grouse genetics to monitoring lead poisoning in raptors and corvids.
Teton Raptor Center is proud to have helped develop and maintain the Wyoming Golden Eagle Working Group. The working group consists of professionals, managers, industry professionals, and others actively working with Golden Eagles, their conservation, or management in Wyoming. To learn more about the Wyoming Golden Eagle Working Group and access abstracts for ongoing research, and a bibliography of research articles relative to eagles in Wyoming, please click below.
Teton Raptor Center Research Team
Our research team is comprised of biologists, graduate researchers, seasonal technicians, year-round interns, research associates and countless dedicated volunteers.
Conservation Director – Bryan Bedrosian
Associate Research Director – Katherine Gura
Research Biologist – Julie Polasik
Graduate Research Associates – Sarah Ramirez (MS Student, CSU), and Josh Layfield (MS Student, UW)
Field Research Technician – Adrian Rouse
Conservation Interns – Georgia Coleman and Julie Calandrella
Research Associates – Charles Preston (Draper Natural History Museum) and Step Wilson
Dedicated Volunteers – more than we can name…Thank you for your help!