This Hawk Can Blog!

Well, it’s been three weeks since Burning Hawk Wines launched and it’s time for the Blogging Hawk to give you an update! In this blog entry as well as future entries I’m going to try to provide you with a bird’s eye view of this project so you can fly along with us on our migration.

 

The Labor Day holiday has given me a good chance reflect on the last 3 months and the causes we are devoted to.  I remain in awe and extremely appreciative of the dozens of organizations and individuals who’ve rolled up their sleeves to help. Thank-you!!!  And thank you to the pioneering customers and partners who followed through with their purchase of Burning Hawk Wines. Your support IS THE PRIMARY reason that we have been so successful to-date.

 

First and foremost this project is about addressing critical wildlife issues so we’ll start with some of the organizations and groups who we’ve been in touch with and highlight their work. Then we ask for feedback and reviews of the Burning Hawk Wines from those of you pioneering customers who have made purchases. Finally, I’ll highlight our recent Eagle Optics partnership, two upcoming events and list the locations where you can purchase Burning Hawk Wines.

Hawk Hill & The Golden Gate Raptor Observatory

One of the first emails I received when Burning Hawk took flight was from Allen Fish, Director of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory  (GGRO) who wrote “…I’m thrilled by your vision and commitment to problem solving raptor conservation + energy issues…” This note arrived at a critical time as we had just “left the nest.” Receiving this feedback let us know that our collective efforts are valued by those who have experience and care about these same issues. Allen also shared that as a professional he has seen first hand the problem of raptor electrocution and collision and believes we are on the right track to making a difference. We extend our thanks to Allen and the rest of the GGRO team! 

 

Please take a moment to learn about the GGRO, which has operated in Marin County, California for a quarter century in association with the National Park Service. Each year GGRO’s 300+ volunteers meet up in the Marin Headlands which is one of the most important hawk migratory paths in the Pacific Region!!! Each autumn ~10,000 visitors take part in educational programs and from Hawk Hill focus their binoculars skyward on 19 species and 30,000 raptors in total. If you live or are traveling to the Bay Area this September or October get over to the GGRO! And check out their online Hawk Watch . Contact info: Email the GGRO or call (415) 331-0730

Saving the Saker Falcon in Mongolia

A few days later I received an email from a researcher Rick Harness, a wildlife biologist with EDM International out of Colorado. Rick has spent his career studying avian electrocution issues and works domestically and internationally to build a power grid that is more reliable and safer for bird life.  Over the last two years Rick and colleagues have taken their vacation time and their expertise to the Mongolian Steppe to save the endangered Saker Falcon and other species of birds. The Saker Falcon’s numbers have plummeted over the last decade- from approximately 10,000 nesting pairs in 1994 to an estimated 4,000 in 2003. Of concern to the project team are the number of Saker falcons unnecessarily being electrocuted on problematic power lines.  Their 2007 assessment in conjunction with the University of Mongolia looked at 527 power poles along a 50km stretch of lines. They found 68 bird carcasses at pole bases, including 13 Saker falcons.  They attribute these deaths to the improper design and construction of power poles. Now that EDM and their Mongolian colleagues understand the issues they are putting together a project team that will travel once again rural Mongolia and start retrofitting the power lines. This project depends on the collaborative support from Mongolian Utilities and government agencies. Rick is going to keep us informed as the project evolves and let us know how we can help. This is exactly the sort of project we hope to support with the Burning Hawk Wine Initiative. Contact info: If you would like to receive their published assessment report or inquire about making a donation directly to this project please email me.

Raptor Research Foundation Conference on 9/24/08

Photographer Nick Dunlop and Allen Fish of GGRO gave us a heads up on the upcoming Raptor Research Foundation Conference on 9/24, sponsored by RRF and Raptors of the Rockies. Both organizations are committed to researching, disseminating information and taking action to preserve raptors and raptor habitat around the world. We are very much looking forward to attending this conference as we continue our hike up the learning curve and try to identify ways in which Burning Hawk Wines and our customers can make a difference.

Eagle Optics & Burning Hawk Team Up!

This project is all about partnership and collaboration. We would like to announce that Eagle Optics Outfitters (EOO) has teamed up with Burning Hawk Wines and take a moment to explain how this partnership adds value to our customers and supporters. EOO is North America’s largest independent distributor of binoculars, scopes and optics equipment to wildlife enthusiasts. They have a long supported the birding and wildlife conservation community, including as sponsor of the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory. And after hearing about Burning Hawk wines they offered to help us get the word out to their colleagues and customers. Each customer of Burning Hawk Wines will receive a coupon in the shipment that will give you a 5% discount off Eagle Optics purchases. Thank you to the Eagle Optics team for your partnership!!!

 

 

How Good Is Burning Hawk Wine?

Many people have asked, “We know that you are committed to these important issues. We know that this is an important cause from an environmental and energy standpoint. But is it good wine?”  Thanks to vintner Patrick Roney and winemaker Marco DeGiuilio the answer is an unequivocal “Yes”. And it has to be or else this project will not survive to make a difference.  That said WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK. So if for those of you pioneering customers and friends who’ve had the opportunity to enjoy our wines I would appreciate it a great deal if you would email me your reviews

Upcoming Burning Hawk Events on 9/13

September is going to be a great month for this project. Not only do we look forward to visiting the GGRO in Marin and the Raptor Research conference in Montana but we will also be having two exceptional events where we can taste the wines, explore the issues and meet each other. Here is the information:

September 13^th, Windsor Vineyards Tasting Room, Tiburon CA, 1-5pm. Come spend some time with me as we taste the Burning Hawk wines, discuss the project and how we will make an impact. Cost: Free Click Here for Directions

 

September 13^th, Toad in the Hole Pub, Santa Rosa CA, 9:30pm. Come enjoy the Burning Hawk wines paired with artisan cheeses. At ”The Toad” you’ll be able to meet members of our team and get your groove on with the hip, French-influenced rhythms of Hand Me Down. We would be honored to have you in attendance. Cost: Bring your wine loving conservationist friends and buy bottles of Burning Haw Wine

 

Where to Purchase Burning Hawk Wines

Currently Burning Hawk Wines are offered at the following locations.

• Mosaic Restaurant & Wine Lounge
• Toad In The Hole Pub
• Windsor Vineyards Tasting Room
• Online at burninghawk.com

If you have referrals or ideas for where you would like to see Burning Hawk wines available for purchase please email me, Nick Papadopoulos.