03/27/2025 — Shalana Battles

Scientist in Parks Intern Jumpstarts Raptor Monitoring Program

Data Collection on Raptors Begins

New Scientist in Parks intern is helping to launch the monument’s first-ever raptor monitoring program at Colorado National Monument.

Sohpie Marxer is the new Scientist in Parks intern who is helping to launch the monument’s first-ever raptor monitoring program. With a background in ecosystem management and hands-on experience with wildlife, Sophie brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to this important new effort.

This pilot program, a joint effort between Colorado National Monument Assocation and the Park Service, will continue through September of this year.

A Bit About Sophie

Sophie grew up in San Diego and earned her bachelor’s in Ecosystem Management and Forestry with minors in GIS and Sustainable Design from UC Berkeley. Since graduating, her resume is full of impressive conservation work. It includes time with the Yurok Tribe’s condor reintroduction program in Redwood National Park. She’s also worked with a variety of wildlife species across California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania—from Fishers and Snowshoe Hares to Northern Spotted Owls and Big Game.

She’s visited 20 of the 63 U.S. National Parks (with her sights set on them all!) and is thrilled to now call western Colorado home. When not hiking, Sophie enjoys rowing, kickboxing, and road-tripping with her loyal black cat, Munchlax; named after the Pokémon and has traveled to 17 states alongside her!

About the Raptor Monitoring Project

This spring and summer, the raptor monitoring program is aimed at collecting key data on nesting success, territory locations, and disturbance impacts.

In February, a small group of experienced raptor volunteers were recruited to assist in this effort. The goal is to maintain this same core group to minimize training needs and ensure consistency in data collection.

The data Sophie collects will help the monument develop science-informed management practices. These practices will protect these iconic birds and preserve access to public lands.

How You Can Help

If you’re out exploring the monument and see a Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, or another raptor, support this project by reporting your sighting. Sophie is collecting observational data to help identify raptor nesting sites as early as possible in the season.

Email Sophie, sophia_marxer@partner.nps.gov, with the following info:

Species observed. Here’s a Common Raptors guide for reference.
Location (which canyon, landmark, etc.)
Date and time
Description (perched, flying, behavior)

Not sure what species you saw? Report it anyway! Sophie can help ID it with your description.

Pick up a Natural History Field Observation card at the Visitor Center to report sightings on paper.

We’re proud to support this 9-month internship through joint funding from CNMA and the National Park Service. Sophie’s work represents a vital step forward in the protection of wildlife within the monument.

Contact:
Sophie Marxer
Scientists-In-Parks Intern
(970) 858-2820
sophia_marxer@partner.nps.gov

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Image of Cooper’s Hawk by David Smith