M&T Bank presents $5000

M&T Charitable Foundation sponsors premier raptor show at Hawk Mountain

M&T Bank awarded Hawk Mountain a check for $5,000 from the M&T Charitable Foundation to sponsor its premier weekend program, "Raptors Up Close!", marking the fifth year of support for the headliner live bird presentation, seen by thousands of visitors every spring and autumn. 

The sponsorship allows Hawk Mountain to provide the "M&T Bank Raptors Up Close!" show at 10 am, noon, 2 pm and 4 pm every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine. Autumn programs began last week and will continue every weekend through mid November, and also will be presented on Columbus Day.

"This is the time of year when people flock to Hawk Mountain, and the support from M&T Bank makes it possible to keep this popular program completely free for our visitors and neighbors. It's a tremendous benefit to the Sanctuary and it's a great service to the community," says Sanctuary President Jerry Regan.

With incredible views of fall foliage and the chance to see large numbers of migrating hawks, eagles and falcons, Hawk Mountain draws more than 30,000 visitors from across the state and beyond during autumn months alone. Weekends are the busiest time and the M&T Bank Raptors Up Close presentation guarantees every visitor has a chance to see a live hawk or owl, no matter the weather or flight conditions. It also offers the opportunity to teach visitors of all ages about birds of prey, their special adaptations, and their special conservation needs.

Surveys show that visitors to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary drive more than 50 miles one way, many staying overnight at hotels and campgrounds, eating at restaurants and visitors other attractions. Combined, the annual admission helps to generate more than $7 million for the local economy.