Artificial Nest Structures as Mitigation for Natural-Gas Development Impacts to Ferruginous Hawks in South Central Wyoming

The Ferruginous Hawk is commonly described as a species of raptor that is particularly sensitive to human disturbance, but also is one of the most versatile in use of nest substrates. Across its range, the Ferruginous Hawk is known as a consummate open country specialist, and is known to nest on diverse array of natural substrates, including the ground, piles of bison bones, small rock piles, larger rock outcropings and cliffs, stout shrubs and a variety of erosional formations. Ferruginous Hawks have also nested on a variety of manmade substrates, including chimneys or roofs of abandoned buildings, and more recently natural gas infrastructure.