Raptors & Ridge trails

[Paul]

Anyone have any suggestions for good hikes this spring that will put me in a good position for  hawk watching? I'm thinking that I'd like to take advantage of the spring migration (if it hasn't already passed). 

In October, we were hiking the Monument trail at High Point and the Monarch butterflies were migrating south in large numbers just above our heads. How cool would it be if the hawks followed that same route?

[njHiking.com]

Hi Paul - Have you ever checked out some of the Hawk Watches? You can combine a nice trail with a great break spot to watch hawks.

Four Birds Trail - Wildcat Ridge

Washington Valley Park

Merrill Creek Reservoir

Dawn

[Paul]

Thanks for the suggestions - and the links! I'll take a look into a variation on the four birds trail.

Still open for more suggestions!!   :-)

[Daniela Wagstaff]

When in October did you see the Monarchs?  I'd love to see that and will have to put that on my calendar for this year and try to go there around the same time.  Guess it's hit or miss, though.  I'm due for another trip to High Point anyway. 

I saw several bald eagles in the Palisades on the NY side a couple of months ago.  Here is some info on hawks in the NJ Palisades with a peak migration chart - doesn't show anything for the spring, though.  http://www.njpalisades.org/hawks.htm

There is also Hawk Mountain in the Hamburg PA area off of I-78.  They charge a fee to use their hiking trails. I have never hiked there since they do not allow dogs and I don't hike without my dog.  I have been to the Pinnacle on the Appalachian Trail which is right next door to Hawk Mountain.  http://www.hawkmountain.org/visit/hiking/hiking/page.aspx?id=482

[Paul]

Thanks Daniella. I don't know if I can pin down the exact date in October. It was mid-to-late in the month; not a short sleeve day. I'll see if i can narrow it down.

[Linda Frank]

If you don't mind traveling to Pennsylvania...Two of the hikes we did late last fall were (you'll pardon the pun) swarming w/hawk & raptor sightings.  Appropriately enough, one is Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, Pa.

**That's two boulder fields over my right shoulder.  Really cool if you want to hike them, too after you've started off on The River Of Rocks Trail.  Believe me, it doesn't come by its name lightly!

Great hike, too.  Be prepared for some bouldering along the East Rocks Trail about a couple of miles along from The River Of Rocks Trail. 

When you reach the end of this trail after yet another really steep, but fun, hand-over-hand boulder climb you'll come to the primo viewing area where all the hawk-raptor-ophiles hang out mostly in the early morning and end of day to watch the winged display. But there's always loads of folks there any time - especially weekends and during migration peaks. You can check their website for info like that.

Also in Pa. (Hamburg) is a hike known as The Pinnacle & The Pulpit. Not as much climbing, but some really steep ascents on the AT section leading up to the Pulpit in particular.

Great views again. Oddly, we viewed more hawks here than at Hawk Mountain and there were plenty at Hawk Mtn! While this pic was taken there must have been two or three dozen hawks circling on thermals all around that cliff edge and in the valley below.  NATURALLY, not a one flew by when I took this shot! 

Both are approx. 2-1/2 hours' drive from where we are in Central Jersey. Your mileage may vary.  :) 

Linda

[Paul]

Awesome pix! I was not aware of this area. I'm on my way to google maps to see how my mileage may vary :-)

[Brom Vermeulen]

The Audubon Society used to (and maybe still does) have a fall hawk watch on the AT near Yard's Creek Reservoir. I don't know if they do it in the spring as well. You can make a nice hike of it by parking at the Coppermine Trailhead and head up to the AT via the Kaiser Road trail. The hawkwatch is a short distance south of the intersection. You can continue north on the AT to the Coppermine Trail for the return. This is one of my favorite short hikes. See Trail Conference maps Kittatinny Trails #s 15 & 16 for details.

[Paul]

Yes, I love that loop. This was one of the spots that crossed my mind. A great moment happened for me along that ridge: one late afternoon a glider pilot came right overhead, skimming the treetops; obviously riding the updraft on that breezy day (not unlike a hawk).

I'm going to have to find out if this is a common migration route for the birds, and get an idea of peak times. I guess it would be if the Audubon Society is running trips there.

[matthew logue]

Paul, that is Raccoon Ridge. It is where I was going to suggest. Late August there are dozen's of different Raptors there. It is a nice hike.