Hawk Watch at the Indian Mounds in Northeast Iowa

I have been to the Efigy Mounds National Monument, in Marquette, Iowa, several times, but recently I attended this year's HawkWatch for the first time and it was an event to remember. It was dedicated to a young hawker and his son who died tragically in September. Over 1600 hundred people turned out for the event which kicked off Friday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m.

It was a free family oriented event in celebration of the annual fall hawk migration. Films, videos and mediapresentations included Raptor Force, Eagle and The Hawk, and Migration.

An article in 'The Tapestry Magazine' by Larry A. Stone, explains why this year's HawkWatch was likely dedicated to Jon-Jon Anthony & Jonah Chiricahua Stravers. Jon-Jon, 33, and his three-year-old son, Jonah, of Boise, Idaho, died tragically Sept. 2 in a traffic accident near Akron, Colorado on their way to a performance at home in Idaho, according to Stone. "They were the son and grandson of Jon W "Hawk" Stravers, of Harpers Ferry - a well known musician, raptor researcher, river conservationist and educator," he said.

Stone also said that Jon-Jon had assisted with educational programs at the annual HawkWatch, teaching visitors about the thousands of raptors that follow the Mississippi River bluffs on their fall southward migration.

Jon-Jon also played with the local known group, Big Blue Sky, which was founded by himself and his father. Their scheduled performances have been cancelled, however Big Blue Sky is set to continue and they did perform at the Elkader Opera House on November 24 to raise money for Motor Mill, an historical building in Elkader, Iowa.

Jon-Jon also made Native American flutes, particularly for children. Native American flute music by Jon-Jon played througout the outside events and CDs were available for sale. Also available for sale to help fund future HawkWatch events were shirts and T-shirts.

John Stravers demonstrated the release of hawks. Stravers is a world expert on the ecology and conservation of the red-shouldered hawk and founder of the operation of HawkWatch banding station.