HMA L&L, Ecovida Hawkwatch: Studying and Celebrating Raptor Migration

For HMA's June Lunch & Learn, we were excited to welcome Kenneth Acuña Vargas and Randall A. Montoya Solano who spoke about the Ecovida Hawkwatch in Costa Rica.

The Ecovida Hawkwatch, located in the lowlands of the tropical rainforest in northern Costa Rica at Refugio Lapa Verde, has been studying raptor migration since 2022. Kenneth and Randall shared how they carry out the monitoring from their stunning observation tower, as well as the seasonality, species, and numbers of raptors we record each season. They also explored how a local community turned raptor migration into a celebration—focused on education, conservation, and culture around birds —and created Costa Rica’s first international raptor festival, with the support of partner organizations beyond our borders.

Kenneth Acuña Vargas is a Tropical Biologist with a focus on ecology and sustainable development. He currently has 8 years of experience studying birds and 3 years working with raptors. In 2023, he began his journey as a volunteer at Ecovida Hawkwatch, and in 2024, he became the project’s field coordinator.

Randall A. Montoya Solano is a Conservation Biologist working through community engagement and participatory science. He was part of the founding team of Ecovida Hawkwatch as the volunteer coordinator. Currently he serves as the Festival Coordinator of Alas Viajeras, Costa Rica’s International Migratory Raptor Festival.

https://www.hawkmigration.org/
https://www.hawkcount.org/