Hawk Mountain Welcomes Visitors for the 2026 Autumn Migration Season

Visitors are invited to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary this fall to experience one of North America's greatest wildlife spectacles during the annual Autumn Migration Hawkwatch, held daily from August 15 through December 15. Alongside the world-famous hawkwatch, the Sanctuary will host a free Autumn Lecture Series, weekend programs, workshops, and family-friendly events throughout the season.

Each autumn, Sanctuary staff, trainees, and volunteers monitor the southbound raptor migration from Hawk Mountain's renowned North Lookout while helping visitors spot and identify migrating birds of prey, including broad-winged hawks, kestrels, vultures, ospreys, bald eagles, and more. An average of 16,000 raptors pass over the Sanctuary each autumn. Daily migration counts are posted throughout the season at hawkmountain.org/count, allowing bird enthusiasts everywhere to follow the migration in real time.

Hawk Mountain maintains the longest-running raptor count in the world, offering invaluable scientific data while serving as a model for hawkwatches around the globe. For more than 90 years, this annual count has helped scientists track changes in raptor populations, migration patterns, and conservation needs while inspiring generations of visitors to experience the wonder of migration firsthand.

Visitors are welcome to spend the day at the North Lookout enjoying sweeping views as migrating raptors pass overhead. Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars and a full daypack to make the most of their visit. Those with small children or limited mobility may prefer the nearby South Lookout, accessible via the ADA-accessible Silhouette Trail.

Trail fees apply for non-members: $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 6–12. Children ages 5 and younger are admitted free. Hawk Mountain members receive free trail admission year-round; click here to learn more about becoming a member.

The fall season also features Hawk Mountain's free Autumn Lecture Series, bringing together authors, scientists, educators, and local experts to explore the history, science, and conservation of birds and the natural world. Lectures are held monthly from August through November, with most taking place in the Hawk Mountain Visitor Center Gallery.

The 2026 Autumn Lecture Series includes:

Maurice Broun and Earle Poole: A Friendly Rivalry
Thursday, August 27 | 6:30–8:30 PM
Local journalist Bill Uhrich explores the fascinating relationship between Hawk Mountain's first curator and hawk counter, Maurice Broun, and pioneering ornithologist Earl L. Poole. Drawing from journals and historic bird records, the presentation highlights how their work helped document migration along the Kittatinny Ridge and shaped bird conservation in Berks County.

Discovering Hawk Mountain Wildlife
Saturday, September 12
Educator Dan Jenkins shares wildlife camera footage captured throughout the Sanctuary while introducing participants to the natural history of Pennsylvania's native wildlife.

The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet
Saturday, October 10
Acclaimed author Scott Weidensaul discusses inspiring global bird conservation success stories from his newest book, demonstrating how restoring bird populations can help heal ecosystems around the world.
(This lecture will be held in the Outdoor Amphitheater)

Ornitherapy & Forest Bathing: Natural Pathways to Wellbeing of Mind, Body & Spirit
Saturday, November 14
Renowned birder and author Holly Merker explores how nature-based practices such as Forest Bathing and Ornitherapy can improve physical and emotional wellbeing, while offering practical ways to connect with nature through places like Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

In addition to the lecture series, Hawk Mountain will offer free weekend programs, guided walks, workshops, and special events throughout the autumn migration season. Visitors can explore the full schedule at hawkmountain.org/events.