Imagine watching a black dot on the horizon materialize into a majestic hawk or eagle right before your eyes! This is Hawk Watch—a free family event sponsored by Presque Isle Audubon and Erie Bluffs State Park.

Come to watch the raptors migrating north over the park, get up close to live birds of prey from Tamarack Wildlife Rehab Center, take a walk along the bluff and old forest trails, or participate in children’s games and activities.

Meet at the Route 5 access of Erie Bluffs State Park. Kickoff is at 9 a.m., but come anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Experts with binoculars and spotting scopes will be on hand to identify hawks and other migrating birds. Raptors typically found in this area include: Osprey, Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk and American Kestrel.

There are also migrating birds in the area, including: bluebirds, phoebes, red winged blackbirds, flickers, goldfinches, swallows, kingfishers, sparrows, waterfowl, etc.

For more information, contact: Susan A. Smith 814-835-8069, ext.102 or send email to: ssmith@lea.earthforce.org .

4/6/2007