The 28th season of the Rose Tree Park Hawk Watch (RTPHW) launches on September 1, 2026 with a kickoff gathering at 10:00 am! (Rain date September 3). All are invited to join us at the gazebo for great company, sweet treats, and scanning the skies! Meet fellow hawk-lovers and learn why and how we count migrating hawks, eagles, ospreys, harriers, falcons, and vultures. Bring binoculars if you have them; a few will be available to borrow.
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 Debbie Beer.