Autumn Lecture Series 2026
Lectures take place in the Visitor Center Gallery at 5 PM unless noted otherwise. FREE to all. No registration required.
Maurice Broun and Earle Poole: A Friendly Rivalry
Thursday, August 27
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Discover the early history of raptor migration research at Hawk Mountain through the rivalry and eventual friendship between ornithologist Earl L. Poole and the Sanctuary’s first curator and hawk counter Maurice Broun. Drawing from journals and historic birding records, Bill Uhrich highlights how their work helped document migration along the Kittatinny Ridge and shaped bird conservation in Berks County.
Discovering Hawk Mountain Wildlife
Saturday, September 12
Join Educator Dan Jenkins for a Hawk Mountain Wildlife Discovery program! Explore camera footage of wildlife captured at Hawk Mountain while discovering the natural history of each species and gaining a deeper appreciation for Pennsylvania's native wildlife.
The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet
Saturday, October 10
Held in the Outdoor Amphitheater
Join author Scott Weidensaul as he draws from his new book The Return of the Oystercatcher to highlight inspiring global success stories in bird conservation. From raptor and seabird recoveries to Indigenous-led habitat protection, he shows how restoring birds offers a powerful roadmap for healing ecosystems and our relationship with the planet.
Ornitherapy & Forest Bathing: Natural Pathways to Wellbeing of Mind+Body+Spirit
Saturday, November 14
Join renowned birder and author Holly Merker in an exploration of how nature-based practices like Forest Bathing and Ornitherapy support physical and emotional wellbeing, drawing on both ancient wisdom and modern research. Learn how these approaches work and discover simple ways to incorporate nature into your self-care routine at places like Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.