Plans to climb a peak this weekend? Be sure to look up, way up, once you reach the summit. The annual eagle migration is picking up steam and mountaintops offer a bird’s eye view of the big event. Pack a pair of binoculars and extra warm clothes and factor in a little extra time at the top.
In late September and into early October, Alaska’s golden eagles start heading southwards towards their wintering grounds n the Lower 48 states. With an almost seven-foot wingspan, these raptors (also called birds of prey) are easy to spot in the skies above.
Upcoming Raptor Migration Festivals
- September 17th, 2011 – Chelan Ridge Hawk Migration Festival. Pateros, Washington.
- October 6th-9th, 2011 – Bridger Raptor Festival. Bozeman, Montana.
Other Raptors on the Move
You may also see various hawks (Sharp-shinned, Rough-legged, Cooper’s, Red-Tailed, Broad-Winged, American Kestrels, Northern Harriers, Northern Goshawks) as well as Bald Eagles and Osprey.
Additional U.S. Hawkwatch International Fall Migration Project Sites Open to Public
- Bonney Butte, Oregon
- Commisary Ridge, Utah
- Goshute Mountains, Nevada
- Smith Point, Texas
- Corpus Cristi, Texas
Did You Know?
HawkWatch International (HWI) has a mission to conserve the environment – the very one we love to explore – through long-term monitoring and scientific research on raptors as indicators of ecosystem health. HWI is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011.
© 2011