Gliding over the valley the hawk hunts for its food forever bound to the life giving substance of the land but a master of the sky. Seeking out the best hunting grounds hawks will migrate south during the fall and return to the north in the spring. Some of these birds of prey will travel from as far north as the Artic circle all the way to the southern hemisphere well beyond the equator.

In the United States the spring migration generally runs from Feb. 15 - May 15, and fall migration from Aug 15 - Nov. 15. During this time hawk watchers will gather along ridges with binoculars to catch a glimpse of these majestic birds.

Special areas have been designated as “hawkwatch” sites and the birds that travel through during migration are identified and counted. The data collected by the hawk watchers can be used to determine the health of the ecosystem. Since hawks are at the top of the food chain their numbers indicate the health of the environment they live in.

Hawk watching can be very rewarding. The best time to see these birds often coincides with the seasonal changes that bring the spring blossoms or the fall foliage. Seeing the leaves change colors from atop a ridge can be a treat along with song birds and butterflies that make an appearance during their trip to and from the tropical regions. The hawks themselves however provide the greatest enjoyment.