Each fall, there’s an extravaganza of birds-of-prey flapping past the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Situated atop Blue Mountain, the eastern edge of the Appalachian ridges and valleys, Hawk Mountain’s location is right under one of the major North American flyways for migrating raptors, including hawks, eagles, and falcons of all stripes.
Visitors gather at Hawk Mountain's south overlook point
According to the Sanctuary, about 20,000 raptors pass their location each year between August 15 and December 15, riding the air currents that rise above the mountain ridges on their journeys to points south. And it is a spectacular show indeed. Best bet is to pack your binoculars, a picnic and something soft to sit on, and make your way on the lovely trail system to the north overlook, where there is an almost nonstop parade of these marvelous birds rolling past. Some even put on an aerobatics show.
Downside to visiting on a weekend is the large number of visitors, not all of whom are particularly quiet and respectful of the sanctuary nature of the facility. If you’re like me and large numbers of hollering cub scouts don’t really float your boat, I’d recommend going on a weekday if you can get away from work.
-Jen
