Species of Interest
Dr. Pete Bloom has published research on many raptor species endemic throughout California, especially local populations within the southern California region. Why study raptors? We are lucky to live and work in an area with dense populations of diverse species facing multiple challenges in rapidly changing environments, many of which have not been historically well-studied. Some, like Bald Eagles and Condors, faced extinction but with dedicated conservation efforts are making a decent come-back. Others, such as Burrowing Owls and White-tailed Kites, still face widespread decline or have become locally extirpated. Most research is accomplished utilizing banding data gathered over the past 50+ years (since 1970). Raptors are typically larger birds which allow for auxiliary markers such as color bands or wing tags that can easily be seen and recorded from a distance by anyone. Viewing a band or tag from a respectful distance is not likely to cause stress to the individual being observed, and also eliminates the need to re-capture a bird to confirm identity. Increased interest in birding, as well as more widespread availability of quality glass such as telephoto lenses, spotting scopes, and binoculars have helped boost the number of color band and/or tag sightings in recent years.
Pete is authorized to band and/or tag multiple raptor species in the western United States. For more information on bird banding, or if you would like to know how to report a color band or wing tag you may have seen or photographed, please see Bird Banding — Bloom Research,Inc.
Over time, we will be adding life history and other details on each species that we study - click on the name of the species to see more information:
American Kestrels
Burrowing Owls
California Condor
Common Ravens
Cooper’s Hawks
Golden Eagles
Great Horned Owls
Long-eared Owls
Short-eared Owls
Red-shouldered Hawks
Swainson’s Hawks
White-tailed Kites
Are you part of an agency or conservation organization that would like to discuss collaboration or consultation from Dr. Pete Bloom? Please contact us here - we look forward to hearing from you!
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