Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

Pennsylvania · Northeast

ModerateOfficial Site

Habitat

ForestMountain

Best Seasons

Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

September-November

Entrance Fee

$12 adults, $8 children

Hours

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

Broad-winged Hawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Golden Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Northern Goshawk

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026Letterkenny Reservoir2 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/4/2026Tulip Lane Yard List1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

3/4/2026Schuylkill River--Riverview Landing/The Lofts at Valley Forge2 observed

Garganey

Spatula querquedula

3/4/2026Woodbury Reservoir1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/4/2026Possum Hollow Rd.1 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/4/2026Parkside Place Park30 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/4/2026Nazareth Quarry1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/4/2026Altemus corn fields.1 observed

Garganey

Spatula querquedula

3/4/2026Woodbury Reservoir1 observed

Garganey

Spatula querquedula

3/4/2026Woodbury Reservoir1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/4/2026Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Fairview Business Park4 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/4/2026Weir Lake1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/4/2026Weir Lake1 observed

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

3/4/2026Peters Lake Park1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/4/2026Tyler SP15 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

3/4/2026Pathway School - private/restricted to staff and students1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/4/2026HOME-Henningsville, Pa1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

3/4/2026Weir Lake1 observed

Garganey

Spatula querquedula

3/4/2026Woodbury Reservoir1 observed

Recent Observations

Common Raven

I-99 N, Altoona US-PA 40.61420, -78.30529

3/4/2026

2 birds

European Starling

58–86 Hess Rd, Quarryville US-PA (39.8994,-76.1333)

3/4/2026

10000 birds

Snow Goose

Springbrook Court

3/4/2026

Mourning Dove

Woodside

3/4/2026

1 birds

Common Grackle

Woodside

3/4/2026

4 birds

Song Sparrow

Woodside

3/4/2026

2 birds

House Sparrow

Woodside

3/4/2026

2 birds

House Finch

Woodside

3/4/2026

1 birds

Eastern Bluebird

Woodside

3/4/2026

1 birds

Downy Woodpecker

2896 East Elfinwild Road, Allison Park, Pennsylvania, US (40.557, -79.943)

3/4/2026

1 birds

Dark-eyed Junco

2896 East Elfinwild Road, Allison Park, Pennsylvania, US (40.557, -79.943)

3/4/2026

1 birds

Black-capped Chickadee

2896 East Elfinwild Road, Allison Park, Pennsylvania, US (40.557, -79.943)

3/4/2026

1 birds

Tufted Titmouse

2896 East Elfinwild Road, Allison Park, Pennsylvania, US (40.557, -79.943)

3/4/2026

2 birds

Rock Pigeon

Lehigh-Mountaintop Campus

3/4/2026

2 birds

American Crow

Lehigh-Mountaintop Campus

3/4/2026

1 birds

Northern Cardinal

Keen residence

3/4/2026

2 birds

Fish Crow

The Ancient Orsetti Clanhold and Surrounding Lands

3/4/2026

1 birds

Blue Jay

The Ancient Orsetti Clanhold and Surrounding Lands

3/4/2026

1 birds

Greater Scaup

Lowber Wetlands

3/4/2026

2 birds

Canada Goose

Lowber Wetlands

3/4/2026

7 birds

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

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Visitor Center

Trails

Gift Shop

Nearby Attractions

Appalachian Trail
Cabela's Flagship Store Hamburg

Birding Guides

Best Places to See Bald Eagles in North America

11 min read

Fall Migration Guide: Hawks, Sparrows, and More

10 min read

Bird Identification Tips: How to ID Birds Like a Pro

11 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for birding?▼

The best months to visit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for birding are September-November. The best seasons are Fall.

What birds can I see at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary?▼

Notable species at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary include Broad-winged Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Golden Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Northern Goshawk. The area supports forest, mountain habitats.

How difficult is birding at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary?▼

Birding at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

Is there an entrance fee at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary?▼

The entrance fee at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is $12 adults, $8 children. Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM (seasonal variations).

What amenities are available at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary?▼

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails, Gift Shop.