All bird clubs, birders, and wanna-bes are invited to Birders and Broad-wings Day at the Rose Tree Park Hawkwatch! Educator and raptor counter John Mercer will be at the small gazebo all day, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, to highlight Broad-winged Hawks and raptor migration. It’s the peak timeframe for Broad-winged Hawks to pass through, and with luck and favorable winds, we may see dozens streaming past the hawk watch (not guaranteed).
No experience necessary – everyone is welcome to attend, learn, and enjoy the anticipation of seeing raptors on the move. Bring binoculars if you have them; a few will be available to borrow. Bring a chair and lunch if you’d like to linger with us. Restrooms are available in the park.
This is the 28th season of the Rose Tree Park Hawk Watch (RTPHW). Volunteers have been documenting raptor migration and submitting important data to the Hawk Migration Association (HMA) since 1999. Check-out photos, season reports, and a comprehensive species tally on the BCDC Rose Tree Park Hawk Watch (RTPHW) webpage.
The long-running RTPHW – the only official hawk watch in Delaware County – endures because of tremendously dedicated volunteers. Under the experienced leadership team of Chris Pugliese, Dave Eberly and John Mercer, daily counters record the presence (or absence) of migrating raptors. They count ravens, swallows, swifts, and Monarch butterflies, too! Efforts contribute to global avian conservation, while also engaging and teaching people about beautiful birds of prey.
Everyone is welcome to visit the Hawk Watch at Rose Tree Park daily September 1-November 15. In fact, we really appreciate the company and encouragement – please come say hello to volunteer counters and help scan the skies! We’re stationed at the small gazebo every day, usually from 9 am – 4 pm (or 10 am to 2 pm, depending on weather and volunteer shift coverage). Hawkwatchers love to share tips about identifying raptors, and we are always learning something new together.
Thanks to everyone involved in this wonderful community-science endeavor!
Photo by Robert Straub.