Some call the annual Autumn Hawk Watch at the world-famous Hawk Mountain Sanctuary “one of the greatest spectacles of nature.”

Since 1934, biologists at the Sanctuary have recorded the number of migrating raptors that pass each autumn on their way to southern wintering grounds. The annual ritual begins August 15 and continues daily, pending visibility, through December 15, and records an average annual 18,000 hawks, eagles and falcons.

Late August and early September are optimal times to see bald eagles, ospreys and American kestrels, as well as migrating hummingbirds and monarch butterflies. In mid to late September, broad-winged hawks pass in flocks or “kettles” containing up to 100 birds or more.

By mid October visitation soars as fall foliage peaks, and northwest winds at this time bring the greatest species diversity, 16 in all. The colder winds of November bring red-tailed hawks, golden eagles and goshawks.

It is an age-old story: raptors have followed the Appalachian Mountains southward for thousands of years on their seasonal migration. Some birds migrate to wintering grounds in Central and South America. Others, like the bald eagle, shortstop in the southeastern United States.

Monitoring Raptor Populations

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has been monitoring the autumnal passage since 1934.  For biologists, the migration represents a unique opportunity to estimate populations of these normally widespread, reclusive birds.  Today, the Sanctuary’s annual count represents the longest and most detailed record of raptor migration in the world.

By annually counting migrating hawks over the decades, scientists can determine short- and long-term population trends, assessing the health of each species and its habitats.

Scenic Overlooks and Trails

In addition to intimate views of soaring birds, Hawk Mountain’s overlooks provide sweeping views of the fall foliage and vistas that stretch as far as 70 miles. Other landforms visible from the South Lookout, a scenic 1,100-foot overlook just 100 yards from the Visitor Center, include the River of Rocks, a 3/4 mile-long Ice-age boulder field, and the Kettle, a fault basin situated between Hawk Mountain and the Pinnacle ridge.

North Lookout, a one-mile walk, offers a 180-degree panorama of Pennsylvania’s Appalachian ridge and valley province. The longer trails in the Sanctuary’s eight-mile network are rocky and somewhat challenging. The trail system also connects to the 2,000-mile long Appalachian Trail.

History

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, thousands of migrating hawks were shot from Appalachian ridges in the belief that “the only good hawk is a dead hawk.” Amateur ornithologist Richard Pough reported details of the carnage at Hawk Mountain to various gatherings of “society folk” in eastern cities in 1933, hoping to stir action.  His message caught the attention of New Yorker Rosalie Barrow Edge, who stopped the gunfire by buying an option on 1,400 mountaintop acres and installing a curator and warden in 1934.  Hawk Mountain Sanctuary became the world’s first refuge for birds of prey.

General Information

The 2,500-acre Sanctuary is open year round and includes a Visitor Center open 9 am to 5 pm and includes exhibits, “Wings of Wonder” raptor gallery, bookstore and gift shop.  Located about 25 miles north of Reading, the Sanctuary is just 12 miles north of I-78.

Sturdy shoes for trail walking and a backpack or fannypack to carry gear are recommended.  Binoculars can be rented at the Visitor Center, where light snacks are available.

Trail fees are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children ages six to 12. Children under six are free. On weekends, September through November, trail fees increase to $8 for adults and seniors and $4 for children. Members are always admitted free for one year, and memberships can be purchased on-site, online or by phone during business hours. A family membership begins at $40.

For more information, please call 610-756-6961 or call the info line at 610-756-6000 between August 15 and December 15 after sunset for the day’s flight report and local forecast. 

Visit the Hawk Mountain website for daily updates of hawk counts.

7/30/2012