Allegheny Hawk Watch - Broad-wing Migration

Date: Saturday, September 13, 10am

Leader: Allegheny Hawkwatch Volunteers

Contact: Alex Busato for Questions

busatoalex67@gmail.com

Directions: From U.S-30 at Reels Corners, take PA-160 north for 4 miles into Central City. Make a sharp right at a BP gas station. When PA-160 makes a sharp left, instead go straight onto Lambert Street (SR1018). Go slowly and watch for the “rough” RR crossing. After the crossing, bear to the right and stay on Lambert Street. Lambert Street becomes Shaffer Mountain Road (SR1018). Proceed 1.4 miles out of Central City and bear right at a Y-intersection onto Lambert Mountain Road.  Go 2.9 miles through State Gamelands 228 to a small four-way intersection with Fleegle Road. Go straight through the intersection. This will become a gravel road. Go 0.5 miles to a blue gate on the right. Turn through the gate and go 0.25 miles to the Hawk Watch parking lot. If the gate is closed, park there and walk to the watch.

Description: This 5-acre site, managed by the Audubon society, is the eastern edge of the Allegheny plateau at an elevation of 2850 feet. 
https://www.alleghenyplateauaudubon.org/allegheny-front-hawk-watch.  The site provides a unique vantage point, sitting approximately 800 feet above a valley with a surreal 180-degree view.  When weather conditions are right, many raptors follow the valley during spring and fall migrations.  Mid-September is Broad-wing “season”.  Their daily numbers are sometimes in the thousands, often flying at eye level.  If there is bad weather, e.g. fog or rain, an email will be sent to inform the club.  Winds from the east are preferred, as they push the birds closer to the lookout for more spectacular viewing.  This is mostly a “sit” outing, so dress for conditions and bring a chair and lunch.  There is a portable restroom available.