Abstract
As part of the Altamont Avian Plan (a migration plan aimed at reducing raptor fatalities), we are testing the hypothesis that eagle and other raptor use of the AWRA is influenced by ground squirrel abundance and the ground squirrel management program. To test this hypothesis, we have established a program for evaluating the effectiveness of the ACDA ground squirrel management program. We are also evaluating how the management of ground squirrels influences the numbers of Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and other raptors that forage in the AWRA and whether or not ground squirrel management has an effect on the numbers of eagles and hawks that are killed by wind turbines.