By Greg Kaltenecker
IBO and Boise State’s Raptor Research Center (RRC) teamed up on a National Science Foundation International Research Experience for Students (IRES) project that supports students on 8-week projects in southern Spain at the Strait of Gibraltar. Each student selects a research topic centered on the theme of raptor migration and climate change. IBO Director, Greg Kaltenecker, and former RRC Director, Dr. Jim Belthoff, teamed up to submit the proposal and manage the project. Six students were selected for the first season
…including three Boise State students!
We teamed up with our “sister” organization Fundación Migres, in Tarifa, Spain. Students were housed at their International Center for the Migration of Birds (CIMA), were mentored by Spanish scientists, and received an ample dose of cultural immersion in the vibrant city of Tarifa.
After attending the Raptor Research Foundation’s annual professional conference, a few IRES students even forged future research positions with new-found peers! Two of the Boise State students began work with new mentors based at Cornell University to trap, band, and sample wintering Red-tailed Hawks in Kansas. We are all so proud of our IRES students and can’t wait to send our next cohort in 2025! Applications for the next round of the Raptor Biology IRES program are due this winter. Visit this link to apply
Here’s what our students had to say about the experience:
Julia Parker, Boise State University
The IRES-RR program was an incredible and invaluable experience that has changed the trajectory of my academic career. I am undeniably grateful to have had the opportunity to travel abroad while learning from such knowledgeable experts.
To say the very least, this was the coolest thing I have ever done!
From being able to fully immerse myself in the Spanish culture, to helping out on different conservation projects with Spanish mentors, to the final send off at the Raptor Research conference in North Carolina, I have learned a great deal and broadened my horizons in many different facets. I have grown tremendously as a biologist; this program was my first opportunity to conduct research and engage in fieldwork. I learned about the conservation of endangered species like the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), and how feeding sites can play a role in their conservation.
I also explored the magical Fall migration that European birds embark on to Sub-Saharan Africa,
and focused much of my research on the Black Kite (Milvus migrans). The Black Kite, with its abundance in Tarifa, became my ideal study species as they are so endearing, accessible, and (in my humble opinion) the perfect subject for field research. Their prevalence made the learning process seamless, allowing me to develop skills in handling, sampling, and data analysis, and making it all the more rewarding to share my findings.
The experience of creating a research poster, preparing my findings, and presenting them to a room full of experts was daunting, but it was made possible by the unwavering support of mentors like Greg Kaltenecker and Jim Beltoff. This experience expanded my confidence and professional skills, opening my eyes to the possibilities within the field of conservation biology. Meeting such passionate, knowledgeable, and supportive individuals was inspiring. Their enthusiasm and dedication to their work were contagious, and I left the conference with a sense of purpose. The IRES-RR program has given me more than just technical expertise…
…it has instilled a newfound sense of confidence and a drive to continue pursuing conservation research.
I now feel equipped to bring together my personal, professional, and creative skills, and I am eager to apply them in future endeavors. This journey has not only shaped me as a biologist but as an individual, and I look forward to the next chapter in this rewarding and impactful field.
Amethyst Tagney, Boise State University
There are not enough words to describe how incredible the IRES experience was for me. Living in Spain and getting to interact with so many of the amazing raptors that live there has completely changed my life trajectory.
As Greg likes to say, I’m now “geeked out” on birds and can’t see a future where they’re not a part of my life somehow.
I grew both professionally and personally while living in Spain-
as I gained new skills in raptor identification, migration counts, bird handling, and living in a new country where I didn’t know the language all that well. I learned what I was capable of and how no obstacle was too big to overcome. Just as important as the birds were the people I met along the way as well. I had so many great mentors and made friends I know I will have for the rest of my life. Thankfully some are still with me here in Boise. Big shout out to Greg, Jim, Eden, and Julia!
Our IRES experience concluded at the Raptor Research Foundation conference in North Carolina and it completely exceeded my expectations. It was inspiring to hear all the varied raptor research that’s happening all across our nation and the world. Each talk reminded me why I chose to be in this field, motivating me to continue pursuing my goals in conservation and raptor research. As in Spain, I met amazing people in North Carolina that I hope to see again in future conferences and beyond. Even though our IRES experience is now officially over,
I continually make new connections and gain new opportunities because of IRES.
I highly encourage anyone to apply to the IRES experience. If I could, I would apply again! A big thanks to Greg and Jim for their guidance and making this all happen and to Eden for being the best mentor any one of us could ask for. We have learned so much from you all and could not ask for a better cohort. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am so grateful I was able to experience it.
This article is part of our 2024 end of the year newsletter! View the full newsletter here, or click “older posts” below to read the next article.
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