Monthly Program – Sept. 14th

SAS Monthly Program & Membership Meeting: Monday, September 14th

Where Golden Eagles Fly: 35 Years of Raptor Migration in the Bridger Mountains with Steve Hoffman

For 35 years, the Bridger Mountains have provided a remarkable window into the annual migration of raptors across western North America. Since the project began in 1991, observers have climbed the Bridgers each fall to document hawks, eagles and falcons moving south along the Rocky Mountain Flyway. Among them, the magnificent Golden Eagle has become one of the project’s most important and closely watched species.

Steve Hoffman, founder of HawkWatch International, played a central role in establishing the Bridger Mountain Raptor Migration Project. His decades of experience have helped shape our understanding of raptor migration and the importance of long-term monitoring.

The project’s 35 years of observations have created an invaluable record of raptor migration through the Bridger Mountains. Consistent counts allow researchers to identify population trends and explore how weather, habitat changes and other environmental pressures affect these remarkable birds.

Join us as Steve Hoffman looks back at the history of raptor migration research in the West and shares insights gained from decades of watching Golden Eagles and other raptors pass through the Bridgers. His presentation offers a unique perspective on why long-term migration projects matter: individual seasons provide snapshots, but decades of observations reveal meaningful changes in bird populations and the ecosystems they depend upon.

After 35 years, the Bridger project stands as both a scientific achievement and a cherished community tradition—sustained by dedicated observers, volunteers and the enduring fascination of watching thousands of raptors pass through Montana’s skies.

Membership Meeting Program Info.

The in-person meeting will be held Monday, September 14, 2026 at Hope Lutheran Church, 2152 West Graf (off S. 19th). A social begins at 6:30 PM; the program begins at 7:00 PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups.

For virtual attendance, please register at:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5529150863865294684

Attendees—whether in person or virtual—are encouraged to share their bird sightings at this and every monthly program.

SAS monthly programs are free and open to the public, featuring a special guest speaker the 2nd Monday of each month, September through May. For more information, contact programs@sacajaweaaudubon.org.

Steve Hoffman Bio

Steve Hoffman has devoted his entire 45+ year career to wildlife conservation. He served 10 years in government service, primarily as an Endangered Species Biologist for the US Fish & Wildlife Service in the American Southwest. In 1986 Steve founded HawkWatch International. He has authored and co-authored more than 50 publications/manuscripts on raptor migration, ecology/conservation and endangered species management. Steve continues to coordinate the local Bridger Raptor Migration Project through Bozeman-based Sacajawea Audubon Society. He also runs his own nature-based tour company, Merlin Birding & Nature Tours, LLC headquartered in Bozeman. Steve has given dozens of public presentations on the identification, natural history, migration and conservation of North American raptors. In 1979 he received his Master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from Utah State University.