Eight members journeyed to the mountains of Pennsylvania to view migrating raptors led by Craig Caldwell.    

The winds were blustery and from the north-west on Friday bringing record numbers of birds across the viewing areas.  Unfortunately, we were still in transit. However, other members of KBC were there to experience the show. We reached the North Point lookout on Saturday morning. The winds were very light or non-existent on Saturday and changed to out of the South on Sunday. Still we saw good numbers of Sharp-shinned Hawks, Kestrels, and kettles of Turkey Vultures with a few Black Vultures mixed in. Those on the eastern edge of the lookout had good view of both Bald and Golden Eagles.  Also seen were Osprey, Coopers Hawk, Merlin and both Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks. All told we saw 12 species of raptors. Not bad for a couple of “slow” days! 

It was fascinating to look down on birds and view plumages rarely seen, since we normally only see the undersides of migrating raptors. It was also exciting to see a Merlin close up as it made rapid passes at the fake owl perched atop a pole at the lookout.   

The group additionally met with Dr. Keith Bildstein, Director of the Acopian Center for Conservation Learning for a behind the scenes tour of the center. The Acopian Center is a Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s biological research and training facility.  We learned about the work being done by sanctuary personnel, scientists and interns and some of the many research projects being conducted around the world.  

Following is the complete group’s list (including those seen during the drive) - 50 species: