Fort Indiantown Gap, a PA National Guard training facility in Lebanon County, Thursday announced the 2nd Mountain Hawk Watch observation area will be open now through December 15 to coincide with the official migratory bird watching season.

As in the past, the site will be open dawn until dusk and is only to be used to count migratory raptors.

The observation area for 2nd Mountain Hawk Watch is located adjacent to and on Fort Indiantown Gap ranges where troops train and bivouac.

“We have been happy to have this partnership for more than 34 years,” said David Schwenk, president of Second Mountain Hawk Watch, “and we understand the balance between the military mission and our mission to count migratory raptors.”

Lt. Col. Lane Marshall, garrison commander, agreed, “This has been a great partnership. By formalizing our season, we hope to meet our mission of training troops here while also supporting conservation,” he said “during the off-season, the training areas can be used by the troops.”

The site will be closed to foot and vehicle traffic during the off-season.

2nd Mountain Hawk Watch was established in 1984 in collaboration with partners to assist birders with environmental stewardship.

If you would like to assist 2nd Mountain Hawk Watch with counting migratory birds, please contact David Schwenk, 717-533-2814.

Visit the 2nd Mountain Hawk Watch website for more information.

(Photo: The regulars.)

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[Posted: Sept. 21, 2018]

9/24/2018