Editor’s note – This is from a 2016 story by Wade Robertson.
I sat on a rocky outcropping high above the dim and misty valley.
The early morning September air warmed as a beaming sun shone down from a startling bright blue sky. As the morning’s bright rays warmed the earth, the dew melted away and the temperature rose creating invisible thermals of air which began lifting up, up towards the heavens.
The mountain’s swirling thermals, though invisible to human eyes, were swiftly forming a vast highway in the sky, for Hawk Mountain is a focal point for migrating raptors of all types as they travel south on their annual migration. I was eagerly scanning the sky for today’s first visitors.
Located on the Appalachian Flyway, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has become perhaps the best known and most rewarding location for observing migrating raptors on the east coast. The mountain top and dedicated observation stations allow visitors splendid views of the birds as they pass by and provides some spectacular scenery of the hills and valleys surrounding the mountain.
Suddenly a large bird appeared, circling in the sky. The large wing span and shape made me wonder if this might be an eagle and soon the bird banked, catching the sun, the bright white head and tail removing any doubt – a bald eagle! Soon another appeared entertaining us with their majestic and effortless flight.
Raptors, whose Latin base means “a plunderer,” consist of hawks, eagles, vultures and owls. These carnivorous birds are characterized by their large, strong feet, impressively equipped with sharp, curved claws for seizing their prey. Raptors outstanding eyesight is legendary and it’s not uncommon for a hawk to see a mouse or other small rodent at great distances.
I once witnessed a large red-tailed hawk dive out of a tall dead tree on the left hand side of the road, angle across the four-lane in front of my vehicle and grab something in the grass. I hit the brakes and pulled over to see what the hawk had captured and was astonished to see the hawk take flight with a mouse or vole grasped in its talons. Looking back, the dead tree was over 300 yards away! For the hawk to see such a small animal, in grass, at that distance is remarkable.
Raptors of all types are fascinating. Their wickedly curved beaks, fierce, sharp commanding eyes and soaring, circling flight command your attention and respect for they are truly masters of the sky.
Visiting Hawk Mountain in late August, September and early October is not only a very entertaining experience, but a wonderful learning opportunity for all involved. Thousands of Raptors are busily migrating south at this time well ahead of the upcoming snow and bitter weather. As September ends fall begins busily painting the hillsides in bright reds, oranges and yellows and the views afforded from the high mountain sides can be simply breathtaking.
Raptors of all shapes and sizes, migrating from as far away as the northern Canadian provinces, pass by the mountain. In one day’s outing you can sight a dozen or more different species. Some of the most common are black bultures, turkey vultures, bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys, peregrine falcons and merlin. Hawks such as the red tailed, harrier, coopers, Northern Goshawk, red shouldered, rough legged and kestrel can be seen in an afternoon.
Of course, a good pair of binoculars is a “must have” and an identification book or chart on the different species of raptors is recommended. A quality camera is nice to have close at hand, especially if you have a higher powered telephoto lens. Bring along a notebook to record the Raptors seen and your thoughts, feelings and impressions is also a great idea.
Hawk Mountain’s located on the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southeast Pennsylvania near Reading and Allentown. In the olden days hawks were considered predators and many were shot as they passed by the mountain. However, in 1934 a concerned conversationalist, Rosalie Edge, saw the mountain as the treasure it really was and in order to protect the raptors passing by leased its 1400 acres in order to protect her beloved Raptors. Wardens were then employed to patrol the property.
Rosalie was passionate and dedicated; able to share her vision and through her efforts the help of other concerned conservationists were enlisted raising enough funds to purchase Hawk Mountain 4 years later; the sanctuary was then incorporated.
Hawk Mountain’s the oldest wildlife sanctuary dedicated exclusively to the protection and observation of birds of prey. Entirely self-sufficient, thanks to many concerned and generous donors, in 1965 the mountain was recognized and designated as a National Natural Landmark.
One generous benefactor’s foresight reached well beyond support of Hawk Mountain itself. Sarkis Acopian, a wealthy industrialist and humanitarian, generously donated the funds necessary to construct the beautiful Acopian Center for Conservation Learning. Here college level courses and instructors promote the study of ornithology.
Hawk Mountain amenities include a visitors center, miles of hiking trails, campsites and several strategically placed overlooks to observe raptors. Volunteers cheerfully man the sites during the fall migration counting and identifying the many raptors as they pass; the one millionth raptors to pass the mountain since records were begun flew by on Oct. 9, 1982.
When possible the center and associated agencies captures and tags birds in an effort to study their habits. One of the most interesting comes from a Turkey Vulture originally captured and tagged in 2004. Her name is Irma.
Records show Irma, who is 14 years old, spends the majority of her time around Philipsburg. She once ventured as far away as New Jersey, but appears to be a homebody, unlike many vultures who routinely travel up to 3,000 miles, as far away as distant Venezuela, every year.
If you have an interest in birds Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the place to go right now. The opportunities to hike, camp and study in this rugged mountain environment is truly a unique one, few spots on earth like this exist, where hiking, scenery and ornithology mix so beautifully together.
To learn more go to hawkmountain.org and schedule your trip. It’s the perfect time to do so.
