Central Valley Winter Raptor Survey (2007-2010): Overview and Methods

Abstract

We describe the rationale, protocol, study area, and general results of a three-year study of the habitat associations of wintering raptors in the Central Valley of California. This study consisted of surveys along 19 transects covering the length of the valley from Shasta County south to Kings County. We used these data to determine habitat associations for several open county raptors as well as the Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus). Specific results are given in the following papers in this issue.