Observe Raptors at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary
Watch the Fall Migration
Every fall, the ridgeline above Kempton, Pennsylvania fills with wings. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the world’s first refuge built specifically for birds of prey, sits along the Appalachian flyway, and from mid-August through November it becomes a flight path for thousands of migrating raptors. If you’re planning a wildlife getaway in eastern Pennsylvania this season, staying at The South Mountain Inn puts you less than an hour from the sanctuary.
When the Hawk Migration Builds
The season arrives in stages rather than all at once. Bald eagles are usually the first to appear, often by mid-August, with osprey migration and American kestrels moving through around the same window. By mid-September, broad-winged hawks take over the skies, frequently traveling in large, swirling groups called kettles that can number in the hundreds.
Sharp-shinned hawks, red-tailed hawks, and golden eagles round out the season into October and November, and Hawk Mountain’s counters have recorded as many as sixteen raptor species passing overhead in a single day. Late October tends to bring the widest variety of species at once, and the best viewing usually comes on days with northwest winds following a cold front, since raptors ride those air currents most efficiently. Most sightings happen between 8 am and 5 pm.
The Hawk Count Behind the Sanctuary’s Reputation
Hawk Mountain has run an official hawk count every fall since 1934, making it the longest continuous raptor migration record in the world. The count runs each year from August 15 through December 15, with staff and volunteers stationed at North Lookout daily to identify and tally what passes overhead. A typical season brings around 18,000 raptors past the lookout, with single-day peaks near 3,000 birds in late September. The data has shaped raptor conservation research for decades. Rachel Carson even drew on Hawk Mountain’s numbers as evidence in Silent Spring, which tells you how much weight this small mountain carries in the birding world.
Raptors Worth Watching For
Broad-winged hawks and red-tailed hawks tend to soar in large groups and are among the most commonly spotted birds of the season. Sharp-shinned hawks and Cooper’s hawks fly with quicker, more direct wingbeats, while falcons like the American kestrel, merlin, and peregrine falcon add speed to the mix. Bald eagles and golden eagles are the sightings most visitors hope for, and turkey vultures and black vultures drift past on thermals throughout the season.
Fall Foliage Pennsylvania Travelers Plan Trips Around
Part of what makes this trip worthwhile is the timing. Fall foliage in this part of Pennsylvania tends to peak alongside the migration, so broad-winged hawks and osprey often glide over ridgelines covered in red and gold. Volunteers are stationed at the lookouts throughout the season and are glad to help newcomers spot and identify what’s flying overhead, so no birding experience is necessary.
Your Home Base for This Wildlife Getaway
Staying at The South Mountain Inn, our Bed and Breakfast in Pennsylvania that guests return to year after year, is the perfect base for a hawk-watching weekend. The inn sits on seven wooded acres with sweeping valley views, and each morning starts with fresh coffee delivered to your door followed by a full breakfast, including vegan and gluten-free options. After a day at Hawk Mountain, unwind on the porch or book one of their experience packages, from guided hikes to paddling at Blue Marsh Lake.
Reserve your stay at The South Mountain Inn and make Hawk Mountain part of your weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hawk Mountain Sanctuary located?
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary sits along the Appalachian flyway near Kempton, Pennsylvania, less than an hour from The South Mountain Inn.
What is the hawk count at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary?
Hawk Mountain has tracked an official hawk count every fall since 1934, averaging around 18,000 raptors counted each season between August 15 and December 15.
When is the best time to see the hawk migration?
Bald eagles arrive first in mid-August, broad-winged hawks peak in mid-September, and late October typically brings the widest variety of species in a single day.
What can I expect to see during osprey migration season?
Osprey typically move through alongside bald eagles and American kestrels in mid to late August, ahead of the larger broad-winged hawk kettles in September.