Frequently Asked Questions
Most observations of migrating hawks occur between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. If there is a strong wind, raptors may begin migrating at dawn and fly until dusk. Migrant hawks can be seen all day on windy days. If weather is not windy, we often observe more hawks during mid to late morning and mid to late afternoon (i.e., 930 to 1130 am and 230 to 4 pm). On sunny days without strong winds, birds often use thermals to migrate and thermals are stronger during midday period. The stronger thermals result in migrating hawks flying higher and sometimes farther from the lookouts so sightings can diminish during midday hours. Earlier in morning and later in day when the sun is lower, the hawks often fly lower and closer to lookouts where they can be observed more easily.
The best conditions for viewing migrating raptors at Hawk Mountain in autumn is right after a cold front has passed through the northeastern United States when winds switch to the northwest for one to three days. Strong northwest winds bring the migrating raptors close to viewers at North Lookout as the raptors are using updrafts created by the deflected wind to save energy on their migration. If winds are very strong, some cloud cover also can help spotters locate birds in the sky. On sunny, non-windy days birds can migrate using thermal lift and fly higher and farther from the lookouts, which results in less sightings at Hawk Mountain. Steady south or southwest winds also can produce strong updrafts along south slope of the Mountain. On these days, South and North lookouts may both have many raptor sightings as birds fly along the south facing slope.
We do not take in injured raptors. Please contact one of the wildlife centers listed below, and they will be able to respond appropriately.
Red Creek Wildlife Center
570-739-4393
300 Moonhill Dr, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
Carbon County EE Center
570-645-8597
151 E White Bear Dr, Summit Hill, PA 18250
Click here to read about our different programs that we offer. Scroll to the bottom of that page or click here to download a document with additional descriptions and prices for programs with and without live birds.
Those interested in a SELF-GUIDED group can register with the bookstore. Click here to learn more information about how to lead a self-guided tour. Those interested in an EDUCATION PROGRAM can call the bookstore who will the direct them to the Education Department. You can also click here to read more about our offered group programs.
We are not part of any state or national park. We are a private, member-supported, non-profit conservation organization. Learn more about us by clicking here.
Sorry, but no pets are allowed on the trails, even if they are leashed. Service animals for visitors with disabilities are permitted. Click here to read more about service animals at the Sanctuary.