Mike's curiosity, combined with his love of the natural world, has led him to pursue two research projects, The Northern Goshawk in Pennsylvania and the Ridgway's Hawk on the island of Hispaniola.
Mike funds all of his Expeditions and Research Projects with the money he earns for his public appearances and donations from his supporters. Thanks for your support!
Northern Goshawk Research
For almost 15 years, Mike has studied, trained and flown The Northern Goshawk, his favorite Bird of Prey. Mike is now working with Pennsylvania Biological Survey (PABS) to research the status of the Northern Goshawk population in Pennsylvania. Every year Mike spends more than 80 hours in the deep woods of Pennsylvania searching for nests of this so called "Ghost of the Forest", named for it's elusive nature.
The Ridgway's Hawk Project
Another research project close to Mike's heart is the Ridgway's Hawk, which only occurs on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, and is one of the most critically endangered raptors in the world with only a population of 250-300 remaining. In 2015 Mike and his wife, Christine, traveled to the Dominican Republic, on the east side of the island, to meet with the researchers from the Ridgway's Project, funded by the Peregrine Fund (Mike donated $1000 to The Peregrine Fund). Mike learned about the dangers facing the Ridgway's Hawk and possible solutions to solving the problem.
While research and conservation efforts are established in the Dominican Republic, research has not been launched on the west side of the island in the country of Haiti, which is birthplace of Mike and John James Audubon. Mike is planning an expedition to Haiti where he hopes to use his knowledge of the country, family connections and language skills to possibly locate Ridgway's Hawks, thereby increasing the genetic pool for rebuilding the population.
Expeditions Lead to Personal Connections
Mike's insatiable need to explore, learn and share his passion for Falconry has driven him to travel throughout the United States and around the world. Mike's enthusiasm for Falconry and the pursuit of that passion is infectious and, although it doesn't lead everyone to pursue a Falconry, it often leads them to pursue their individual passions.
The first encounter with Mike holding a Bird of Prey often allows people to open up and tell the story of their passion. This allows Mike to get "Up Close and Personal" and connect with them. These new connections are often mutually maintained.
Mike always travels with camera gear and captures his adventures on the road. The result is a tapestry of people, their incredible stories and beautiful landscapes in the captivating style of "This American Life", "Parts Unknown" and "United Shades of America"