logline
SYNOPSIS
EXPANDED SYNOPSIS
By watching hawks, citizen scientists learn a new way to see.
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Local birders try to protect the Swainson’s Hawk migration in Southern California. The “Hawksters” strive for success, but aging, climate change, business development, and even Mother Nature herself produce obstacles that threaten it all.
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Endangered raptors. A dedicated crew of citizen scientists. A fragile desert environment. The HAWK WATCH documentary follows a group of devoted birders lead by Hal, Tracee, and Candace.
As the spring bird migration unfolds these leaders try to encourage volunteers to help track scientific data. Everyone involved attempts to stay organized, but they soon find that their ambitions might not measure up to their own expectations. They forge ahead with the challenging task of collecting information to help protect the Swainson’s Hawks. As thousands of raptors begin to pass through the valley, the spectacle of nature itself becomes their well-earned reward.
Still, the “Hawksters” struggle. From counting the birds accurately across seemingly impossible geography, to staying active enough to keep pace with Mother Nature, none of it is easy. But, as the crew meet fellow scientists in Mexico and California, a new ambition begins to inspire them.
Do they finally have what it takes to build a new dream?
Production Years: 2023-2025
Genre: Human Interest/Nature Documentary
Duration: 45:00
Country: USA
Premiere: 12th Annual Borrego Springs Film Festival
Language: English
Locations: Borrego Springs, CA, Antelope Valley, CA, Vera Cruz, Mexico
Format: UHD 3840x2160
Ratio: 16:9
Budget: $16,000
Camera: Panasonic LUMIX GH5
Subtitles: English, Spanish
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
For us, HAWK WATCH is more than a documentary. We want this film to become a catalyst that’s a call to action. Our ambition is to take this story to audiences across the globe.
As such, we wanted to create a very accessible movie. One that not only explained Swainson’s Hawks and their environment, but a film that is entertaining to a casual viewer. By highlighting the amusing characters that track these birds, a positive upbeat theme becomes the core of the film. We yearned to make a wholesome story. One that revealed the emotional rewards of admiring the beauty of life, and how that attitude can help realize change.
We truly want the “HAWKSTERS” in our community to achieve their broader intentions for the hawk watch. So as we take this doc to various screenings, whether at a film festival, regional theaters, schools, backyards, or even virtually-online, these bigger goals all become a little bit closer.
When people learn of the endeavors underway in our small village, and how they might mimic their success, the inspirations that emerge might ultimately be more profound than any of us could imagine.
DIRECTOR’S BIO
The HAWK WATCH Documentary was produced, directed, filmed, and edited by Alicia Wszelaki and Matthew Nothelfer. Both Alicia and Matt are visual creatives that have been working in the media industry since the 1980’s.
Their home town is Borrego Springs, CA. They work often in the Southern California region with a focus on San Diego, Palm Springs, and the Orange County/LA area.
Both Alicia and Matt love tourism video production and they’ve shot productions on almost every continent. From Japan to Norway to Chile to Morocco, wherever the story takes them they’re ready to go.
FILM FAQ’S
1. What is the HAWK WATCH documentary?
The HAWK WATCH documentary is a nature and conservation film that follows the incredible story of Swainson’s Hawks migrating through Borrego Springs, California. This bird migration documentary captures the beauty of raptor migration and the passionate citizen scientists who track and protect these birds. It’s a wildlife documentary highlighting birdwatching culture, migration science, and the fragile ecosystems of the California desert.
2. Where was the HAWK WATCH documentary filmed?
Filming took place in Borrego Springs, California, with key scenes at the Borrego Springs Hawkwatch, as well as in Veracruz, Mexico, and Antelope Valley, California, showing the full migration route of the Swainson’s Hawks.
3. What makes the HAWK WATCH documentary unique?
HAWK WATCH focuses on both the spectacle of bird migration and the human connection to conservation. The film showcases volunteer hawk counters, local educators, and wildlife experts who all work together to protect Swainson’s Hawks. It’s an motivating story about community-led conservation and the importance of protecting raptor migration pathways.
4. Who are the experts featured in the HAWK WATCH documentary?
The HAWK WATCH documentary features Swainson’s Hawk experts such as:
Dr. Peter Bloom, biologist Hal Cohen, and wildlife researcher Kasmir Wolf, along with many local birdwatchers and volunteer conservationists.
5. Why Watch the HAWK WATCH documentary?
Whether you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, environmental educator, or simply someone who loves nature documentaries, the HAWK WATCH film will take you inside the heart of one of the greatest bird migrations in North America. Experience the Swainson’s Hawk migration in Borrego Springs, meet the passionate people protecting them, and discover why raptor conservation matters now more than ever.
6. How long did it take to create the movie?
Filming started in the winter of 2023 at the beginning of the spring hawk migration. In the summer we then visited Antelope Valley, CA.. from there it was off to Vera Cruz Mexico for the fall migration. Filming then continued through the 2024 spring migration in Borrego Springs. Supplemental filming was captured in March of 2025, and post-production wrapped in 2025.
FILMMAKERS:
Alicia Wszelaki, Matt Nothelfer
PHONE:
312.788.7763
EMAIL:
info@borregospringshawkwatch.com
FACEBOOK:
~/BorregoSpringsHawkwatch
CONTACTS:
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