Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Pennsylvania · Northeast
Moderate
September-November
$12 adults, $8 children
8 AM - 5 PM (seasonal variations)
About This Location
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the world's first refuge for birds of prey, established in 1934 along the Kittatinny Ridge in the Appalachian Mountains. Each autumn, thousands of raptors ride the ridge updrafts southward, creating one of the East Coast's most spectacular birding events.
The North Lookout is the most famous vantage point, offering eye-level views of migrating Broad-winged Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, Golden Eagles, and more. Over 20,000 raptors are counted each fall season, with peak Broad-wing flights sometimes exceeding 10,000 birds in a single day.
Location
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Notable Species
Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
Red-headed Woodpecker
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Grasshopper Sparrow
Ammodramus savannarum
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellata
Northern Yellow Warbler
Setophaga aestiva
Black-and-white Warbler
Mniotilta varia
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Northern Waterthrush
Parkesia noveboracensis
Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
Northern House Wren
Troglodytes aedon
Swainson's Thrush
Catharus ustulatus
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
Dunlin
Calidris alpina
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Wild Turkey
Eastern Screech-Owl
Carolina Wren
American Robin
Field Sparrow
Common Grackle
Louisiana Waterthrush
Canada Goose
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tufted Titmouse
Tree Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
American Goldfinch
Chipping Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Birding Tips
- 1
Mid-September is best for massive Broad-winged Hawk kettles; November for Golden Eagles
- 2
Arrive early on autumn weekends — the North Lookout fills quickly on peak raptor days
- 3
Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors
- 4
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
- 5
Listen for woodpecker drumming and warbler songs before scanning the canopy
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Appalachian Trail
- Cabela's Flagship Store Hamburg
More in Pennsylvania
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