This Saturday, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary will host a “Feed the Birds” program, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will include kids’ activities from noon to 2 p.m., a guided winter bird walk at 1 p.m., two live raptor programs, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Also, there will be free information on bird feeders and bird seed, and a naturalist on hand to point out and identify birds at the feeder windows.
Visitors at the “Feed the Birds” program will be treated to complimentary hot chocolate and bird-friendly, shade-grown coffee. Trail admission will be charged for those who visit the lookouts and trails at a cost of $6 an adult, $5 for seniors, and $3 for children ages 6 to 12. For more information, call 610-756-6961.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary located on the Kittatinny Ridge of the Appalachian Mountains in Berks County of Pennsylvania was established in 1934 as the world’s first refuge for raptors and birds of prey. Sharp-Shinned Hawks were shot there by the thousands in the early 20th century being one of the leading factors in the creation of the Sanctuary. It opened to the public as a place to see the beautiful but persecuted birds of prey and was incorporated in 1938. Today, Hawk Mountain’s mission is to conserve birds of prey worldwide by providing leadership in raptor conservation science and education, and by maintaining Hawk Mountain Sanctuary as a model observation, research and education facility.
The Sanctuary is the world's largest member-supported raptor conservation organization and is one of the best places in northeastern North America to watch the annual autumn migration of hawks, falcons, and eagles. During the fall migration, it is possible to see as many as 20,000 birds in a single day. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary on average welcomes 70,000 visitors each year.
The 2,600-acre mountaintop preserve offers incredible scenic overlooks and eight-miles of trails which are open daily year round, dawn until dusk. It provides access to Appalachian forest lands and connects to the Appalachian Trail. The Visitor Center includes a bookstore, native plant garden, bird feeder observation window, Wings of Wonder gallery and the Acopian Center for Conservational Learning. It is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from September through November, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Visitor Center closes at 1 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve; and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
To protect the fragile ecology of the mountain, and for safety reasons, visitors should remain on the trails at all times. Wearing sturdy shoes with gripping soles is suggested. No pets, radios, bicycles, horses, camping, fires, smoking or alcoholic beverages are permitted. Voices should be kept low on trails and at lookouts.
The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association is a not for profit organization. Non-members pay a trail fee, which helps maintain the Sanctuary and supports Hawk Mountain’s conservation and education programs. Annual memberships start as low as $35 for individuals and $40 for families. Benefits of membership include: free trail admission, bookstore discounts, program/event discounts and subscription to the bi-annual magazine, The Hawk Mountain News.
Hawk Mountain is located at 1700 Hawk Mountain Road in Kempton. The Sanctuary is reached by taking Route 143 north of I-78, then turning onto Hawk Mountain Road at Kempton for about 6.6 miles.
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