Tired of being cooped up? Head outside to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County on February 13 for a day-long event focused on feeding birds during the long winter months.

All events are free but a trail fee applies for those who wish to hike to scenic overlooks or to participate in the guided winter walk.

“Winter is a great time to be outside and you get to enjoy a different perspective,” says Mary Linkevich, director of communications at the Sanctuary. “The trails are peaceful, the view is crystal clear, and it’s a fantastic time to take photos and look for wildlife tracks.”

A look out the large windows at the Visitor Center will demonstrate how the cold months bring on a “feeder frenzy,” as large numbers of winter birds gather to collect seed and drink at the heated birdbath at one of two well-maintained bird feeding stations.

A volunteer naturalist will help identify bird species and provide information on how anyone can participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count.

Other programs include two live raptor programs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., a guided winter tree walk at 12:30 and 1:30 (trail fee applies; ages 12 and older), and complimentary bird-friendly coffee and hot chocolate throughout the day.

The kids also will enjoy making two winter-themed crafts between noon and 2 pm or taking part in an outdoor winter scavenger hunt at noon or 1 p.m. 

The 2,500-acre Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the world’s first refuge for birds of prey and is open to the public year-round by trail fee or membership, which in turn supports the nonprofit organization’s raptor conservation mission and local-to-global research, training, and education programs.

To learn more, visit the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary website for trail fees, directions, or other information or call 610-756-6961.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Hawk Mountain.

NewsClips:

Brunner Island Glitch Kills 1,000+ Fish In Susquehanna

Power Plant’s Release Of Cold Water Kills Fish

Brunner Island Has Long History Of Fish Kills

AP: Perfect Case: Film Tells Story Of Famed Centre County Angler

Nest Cam: Bald Eagle Egg Laying Probably Days Away

After 4 Empty Years, Speedwell Forge Lake Being Filled

Black Bear With Mange Euthanized In Kittanning

When Will Snow Geese Show Up At Middle Creek?

F&M Prof Part Of Team Studying Decline Of Wild Bees

2/8/2016