Hawk Mountain Outing
October 16 - 19
Join Jack Solomon (412-521-3365 after September 30) and other members of the Three Rivers Birding Club at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (610-756-6961) to observe migrating raptors. October finds the most raptor diversity on the mountain, as Cooper's and Sharp-shinned hawks should be moving in good numbers. Red-shoulders, Red-tails, Harriers, a few Golden Eagles and maybe a Bald Eagle, too, Ospreys and who knows what else are around on a decent day.
What to Bring
binoculars
a field guide
water and a lunch or snacks (no food or water is available at the lookout)
a pillow or something to sit on
raingear
sturdy shoes (it's rocky, and there's a half-mile hike to the lookout)
Cash — there's a seven dollar ($7.00) entry fee each day
A sweater — if it looks like it may be cool out, then it's appreciably cooler on the mountain
There's a very interesting visitor's center and gift shop adjacent to the lot, open from 8 am to 5 pm daily.
Directions from Pittsburgh (5-6 hours)
-
PA Turnpike (I-276 EAST) to I-81
I-81 N (toward Harrisburg) to I-78 EAST
I-78 E to Rt. 61 NORTH (exit 9B/29B)
Go 4 miles and turn right at Rt. 895 EAST
Go 2 miles to RIGHT at blue Hawk Mountain sign (Drehersville)
Go 2 miles to top of mountain; turn RIGHT into parking lot
Places to Stay
(reservations may not be necessary, but would be advisable)
Country Squire
Phone: 570-385-3559
Room w/2double beds, $43.60
On Rt 61, north of I-78 and a bit north of the intersection
with 895, about 20 - 25 minutes from
Hawk Mountain. Sue and Jack Solomon will be staying there.
They have a restaurant.
Fort Motel
Phone: 570-366-2091
Room w/2 beds, $43.60
On Route 61, north of I-78.
Weekend Schedule
Friday, October 17
If you are staying overnight, arrive in the vicinity of
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, north of Hamburg and stay at
one of the local motels.
Saturday morning, October 18
Those who want to may join us for breakfast at 7:45 am
at the Country Squire's restaurant.
Meet at 9:10 am the gate to the lookouts (across the road from the parking lot), to pay the day fee to Hawk Mountain and walk to the lookout, where we often stay until 4 or 5 pm. Those who want to leave earlier will have no trouble finding their way back to the cars.
Saturday evening
Those who want to will may join us for dinner at the Country
Squire. At 6:00 pm, Brian Wheeler will present a wildlife
photography program back at the Hawk Mountain Visitor
Center.
Sunday, October 19
Sunday times will be the same as Saturdays, but those
who have to leave early may go at any time.
