Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

This year, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, a 2,600-acre forest preserve located along the Appalachian flyway in Kempton, Pennsylvania, celebrates its 70th year of annual autumn hawk watching. Visitors to the sanctuary experience the thrilling migration of more than 20,000 hawks, eagles, falcons and other feathered flyers.

As reported on its website, more than 21,200 birds have migrated over the southeastern PA hawk-watching hotspot since July 24, 2006. Daily counts are provided on the site throughout the official watch period, which ranges from August 15 to December 15.

November is the month to view red-tailed hawks, golden eagles and northern goshawks (mid-November is one of the best times to see the northern goshawk, when the average passage rate is one goshawk every three hours). On November 11, the Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center will bring a live golden eagle to introduce to visitors, who can inspect the raptor up close before taking to the trails to try to spot an eagle in the sky.

Make your Black Friday meaningful by visiting the sanctuary on November 24 or 25 for its Holiday Open House (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Family activities, free programs, warm cider and discounts on nature gifts will be offered.

Throughout the year, visitors may also enjoy more than eight miles of hiking trails, the sanctuary gift shop and many classes and workshops.

For more information, call 610/756-6000, visit hawkmountain.org or email info@hawkmountain.org.