Migratory Raptors of Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory with the Seacoast Chapter

Join Harris Center bird conservation director and raptor aficionado Phil Brown for an overview of the hawk migration season through the lens of the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory in Peterborough, which has been tallying migrating raptors for over twenty years. Learn identification tips, life histories, conservation trends, and migration strategies for the fifteen or so raptor species that pass over NH’s airspace each fall, and hear about research and conservation initiatives to protect them. You’ll be well prepared for hawk migration after this informative and photo-filled session! Bio: Phil Brown grew up in New York City and developed a deep interest in the natural world, particularly birds, at a young age. In and after undergraduate studies at Rutgers University, he pursued a career in conservation stewardship, initially in urban settings. In 2004, he took to the wilder woodlands of New Hampshire, where he served as NH Audubon’s Director of Land Management stewarding wildlife sanctuaries, a position he held for 17 years. This formative experience helped him shape a career that today blends conservation, stewardship, and education. Phil’s path first crossed with the Harris Center during his time as a graduate student at Antioch University New England in 2007 and, as a new Monadnock Region resident, he began to get involved leading field trips. Phil made the move to the Harris Center in 2021 as the organization’s first Bird Conservation Director. He manages a variety of conservation projects focused on American Kestrel conservation, Broad-winged Hawk ecology, Northern Saw-whet Owl banding, and other focal species of conservation concern. Perhaps most central to his Harris Center work is the coordination of the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory, an effort he has led for both NH Audubon and the Harris Center for over 15 years. In addition, Phil is a frequent field trip leader for the Harris Center, the Hawk Migration Association, and other organizations. He leads immersive bird and nature-based journeys in Costa Rica several times a year for The Dreamcatchers and, under this outfit, recently co-authored his first book, MicroExploring the SuperSanctuary, which brings a new philosophy to exploring places close to home, connecting people to nature in a deeper way (see May 2027 program). Phil lives in Hancock with his family, where he can be found in a variety of outdoor pursuits in all seasons. Odiorne Point State Park: 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye 7pm refreshments; 7:30pm meeting Contact: Dan Hubbard, 603 978-0218, [email protected]