A pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) has been spotted several times near our Visitor Center feeder station. Their red, white, and black markings and larger bodies make them hard to miss!

Spring must be on its way! The annual massive flocks of snow geese (Chen caerulescens) have been spotted around the region. 

A barred owl (Strix varia) was spotted flying over and perching along Hawk Mountain Rd, not too far from the trail entrance.

Swamp Rose (Rosa palustris) rosehips are providing some pops of color in our Native Plant Garden amidst all this snow!

Despite the frigid temperatures, white-breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) and other winter songbirds are continuing their daily routines at the Visitor Center feeders.

There has been lots of winter songbird activity on the Mountain, especially around our Visitor Center feeders and Native Plant Garden! This white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) was spotted perched along a bare branch in our habitat garden.

Although our official Autumn Migration Hawk Watch ended on December 15, visitors and volunteers have continued to see juvenile and adult bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) migrating past the Lookouts.

Winter was welcomed to the Mountain not only by the solstice and light snow, but by several snow buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis) seen passing the Lookout.

Fox sparrows (Passerella iliaca) have been spotted visiting our Visitor Center feeders! However, they actually tend to stay on the ground, kicking up leaves while looking for a snack.

Pine siskins (Spinus pinus) have been spotted moving their way through the Sanctuary. They and other finches can be seen regularly at the Visitor Center feeders.

This winter wren (Troglodytes hiemalis) was spotted hopping along the boulders at our Bald Overlook.

Raptors aren't the only birds we see migrating past the lookouts! This blue-headed vireo (Vireo solitarius) was spotted taking a quick snack break atop a branch at North Lookout.

Staff and volunteers have been finding an optimistic amount of acorns, or oak nuts, in the parking lots, forests, and trail sides. Redistributing these nuts throughout the forest and formally propagating some all contributes to the Sanctuary's efforts to repopulate oak tree species on the Mountain.

A true sign of autumn on the Mountain, witch hazel (Hamamelis) can be seen blooming along our trails and in our Native Habitat Garden.

This month, visitors have spotted several timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) crawling between the rocks at the Lookouts and along some trails. Don't be afraid, though! They often just want to soak up the fleeting sun and mind their own business.

Red-breasted nuthatches (Sitta canadensis) have been see daily by the counters at North Lookout while conducting the migration count. Listen for its high-pitched call during your next visit to the Mountain!

Lots of monarch caterpillars (Danaus plexippus) have been seen enjoying the milkweed in our Native Garden and along the trails. Soon they'll be transforming into the iconic butterfly, just in time for their migration in September.

Many songbirds have been spotted migrating past the Lookouts, including this chestnut-sided warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica). Autumn migration is in full-swing!

Joe-Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum) is blooming in our Native Plant Garden, attracting some buzzing visitors!

This indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora) was spotted along our entrance trails, growing thanks to the recent rains.