Support the Cause of "Hawk Watch"

WHY THIS CAUSE? The survival of Swainson’s hawks depends on local communities. This is the heart of our story.

WHAT'S THE STORY? In the Californian village of Borrego Springs, a dedicated group of citizen scientists, known as the Hawksters, attempt to protect hawk migration in the desert. But this ecosystem faces threats: a changing climate, development, and an aging volunteer force.

If we don’t do something now, we risk losing not just the hawks but the chance to educate future generations on the power of conservation.

WHY ARE WE FUNDRAISING? HAWKWATCH production began in 2023, fueled by our own time, interest, and personal funds. Over three seasons, we’ve followed the Hawks across the deserts of The U.S. Southwest, capturing their incredible journey, from the skies of Antelope Valley, California, to the migration superhighway in Veracruz, Mexico. We’ve traveled far and wide to bring this migration story to life.

In 2025 the first drafts of Hawk Watch were screened for test audiences. Since then we have been implementing viewer's feedback into our final edit.

This important story is now 80% complete, but we need to raise funds to finish the post-production, schedule screenings, and launch an educational campaign. Reaching our remaining 20% goal for our project will help us:

• Complete editing

• Design motion graphics and animations

• Compose an original score

• Finalize the sound design

• Acquire all media licensing

• Distribute the film to schools, bird clubs, and environmental organizations

• Create a teacher's curriculum tied to science and conservation.

• Host screenings and Q&As with educators, students, and community groups

• Highlight the essential work of volunteer citizen scientists — the unsung heroes of conservation

We believe that this cause has education as the key. With your help, Hawk Watch can inspire the next generation of scientists, naturalists, and conservationists.

WHO ARE WE? We are Alicia Wszelaki and Matt Nothelfer, documentarians that have made movies for decades through our company Path 88 Productions. Hawk Watch is the most important film we've ever done. With this project we're hoping to sustain the cause of conservation that will have a positive and evergreen legacy.

SHARE OUR PROJECT! If the cause of conservation is important to you, share our efforts with friends and family. The more people who hear about this cause, the more likely it is that we will be able to complete this project.