This fall, researchers at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory and the University of Minnesota-Duluth are teaming up to answer long-standing questions regarding genetic and geographic origins of dark morph Red-tailed Hawks migrating through Duluth, Minnesota. Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is a hotspot for raptor migration and a hub for witnessing Red-tailed Hawk diversity - averaging 6,164 Red-tailed Hawk observations a season! The majority of the birds seen are light morphs. However, rare dark morphs are also seen moving through Hawk Ridge – making up 1-2% of the Red-taileds observed every fall. Much debate exists around from where these dark birds originate, both genetically and geographically. Along with collecting genetic data from birds captured at Hawk Ridge, we plan to deploy satellite transmitters on 1-2 of these dark morph birds. In order to finally provide evidence for the origin of these dark birds, we are seeking generous donations towards the purchase of 1-2 satellite transmitters (one transmitter costs a whopping $2,500). With your help, we hope to reach our goal of $5,000. Any surplus received will supplement our current partial funding (provided by the Minnesota Ornithologists' Union Savaloja Grants Program) to process genetic samples.. If you’re interested in supporting us, please consider donating today – any amount will be greatly appreciated! If you are not able to donate at this time, but would like to support us, consider sharing our GoFundMe fundraiser to your Facebook Timeline. Thank you!