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 17^th, 2011 – Chelan Ridge Hawk Migration Festival. Pateros, Washington.

• October 6^th-9^th, 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

1. Bonney Butte, Oregon
2. Commisary Ridge, Utah
3. Goshute Mountains, Nevada
4. Smith Point, Texas
5. 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 25^th anniversary in 2011.

© 2011