Spring Hawkwatch: April 1 to May 15

In the spring, broad-winged hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, red-tailed hawks and other raptors soar past Hawk Mountain Sanctuary on their northbound journeys.

During spring, prevailing easterly winds push raptors west of the Sanctuary, reducing the migration to a fraction of what it is in the fall. Still, this is a great time to get outdoors, spot some raptors, and see the Kittatinny Ridge as it turns various shades of green. The peak of migration is mid- to late-April when hawkwatchers may spot up to 300 birds.

Other spring sightings:
Wood Poppy, Trillium, Virginia Bluebells, Jacob's Ladder and Bloodroot bloom in the Native Plant Garden, wood warblers return and butterflies appear. Look for the Mourning Cloak, Spring Azure, and other early-season butterflies during April as well as plenty of chipmunks and squirrels. Turkeys also are normally spotted in fields surrounding the Mountain and crossing Hawk Mountain Road.