The holidays have a decidedly feathery feel at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary when staff opens doors for its annual Holiday Open House on December 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This full-day event is designed to get families outside and into the holiday spirit, and will feature complimentary hot cider and $1 soft pretzels, great gift ideas, an art exhibit by wildlife artist David Hughes, nature-themed activities, the Sanctuary’s signature live raptor programs.

The Visitor Center will remain open until 5 p.m. and trail fees will apply for those who walk to scenic overlooks. Members are always admitted free of charge.

The day begins with a chance to see a live hawk or owl up close at 11, and a kids’ winter activity table will open immediately following at noon, and will continue until 2 pm, offering young people the chance to complete a simple nature-themed project to take home.

At 12:30 volunteers and staff will lead a Wonders of the Winter Woods Walk, a fun and easy outdoor activity for all ages, followed by a chance to see another hawk or owl during the Sanctuary’s signature “Raptors Up Close!” program at 2 p.m.

The day wraps up at 3 pm with the annual drawing of winners for the Sanctuary’s 2013 Mountain Raffle. Top prize up for grabs this year is a $2,400 pair of Swarovski EL binoculars, and other prizes in clued an LL Bean gift card, scope and tripod, other binoculars and more.

Tickets are available by phone with credit card, or at the Visitor Center and you need not be present to win.

All visitors are encouraged to explore the trails throughout the day and trail fees will cost $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and $3 for children ages 6 to 12. Admission is always free for members, and memberships are available for sale on site or online.

Those who are willing to walk to the one-mile to North Lookout will meet up with the day’s interpreter and join in the annual raptor migration count which concludes December 15. Hikers are strongly encouraged to wear warm layers and to carefully consider children’s ability to hike over rocky terrain. Only the trail to the North Lookout is open at this time.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is located just 2 mi N of I-78/Cabela’s intersection, and is known world-wide as the first refuge for birds of prey. Its 2,600 acres is open to the public by membership or modest fee for wildlife watching, hiking, enjoying scenic overlooks, or watching the annual raptor migration.

For more information, visit the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary website or call 610-756-6961.

12/2/2013