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
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
Hooded Merganser
Lophodytes cucullatus
Carolina x Black-capped Chickadee (hybrid)
Poecile carolinensis x atricapillus
Brown Creeper
Certhia americana
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta canadensis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Eastern Screech-Owl
Blue Jay
Northern House Wren
Gray Catbird
American Robin
American Goldfinch
Field Sparrow
Worm-eating Warbler
Blue Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Tree Swallow
Eastern Bluebird
Common Yellowthroat
Northern Cardinal
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Red-eyed Vireo
American Crow
Tufted Titmouse
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
Pennsylvania Birding Guide
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