Hawk watch event planned
SHEPHERDSTOWN – The Potomac Valley Audubon Society will sponsor a trip to Washington Monument State Park, on South Mountain near Boonsboro, Md., Thursday to watch migrating hawks.
Anyone with an interest is invited to participate.
The annual Broad-winged hawk migration should be at or near its peak that weekend, and South Mountain is one of the best sites in the mid-Atlantic for viewing hawks.
The park’s monument offers an excellent vantage point to watch these magnificent birds as they ride the thermals that sweep along the mountain’s ridgeline.
Other species that may be seen include the Sharp-shinned hawk, the Red-shouldered hawk, the Red-tailed hawk, the American kestrel, and the Northern harrier.
Local naturalist Dave Weesner will lead the trip and help identify the birds seen.
The park is located four miles east of Boonsboro and 1.5 miles north of Alternate Route 40 on Monument Road.
Participants will gather at 9 a.m. in the park’s uppermost parking lot, just below the monument. From there, the group will walk up to the monument at the summit. The trail is not long, but it is rather rough and not suitable for anyone who needs assistance.
The length of the stay at the monument will depend on how the hawk flight is going. If conditions are good, the trip leaders may stay until early afternoon. Other participants can leave whenever they wish.
Participants should bring binoculars if they have them, snacks or a lunch if they wish, and be prepared for chilly weather.
Rest room facilities are available in the park’s parking lot area.
No pre-registration is needed for this trip, but please note that the trip will be canceled if it is raining because hawks do not fly in such weather. For more information contact Peter Smith at pvsmith@frontiernet.net or 304-876-1139.