HEIDELBERG TWP., Pa. — One of the longest continually-running raptor migration studies in the world happens in the Lehigh Valley – and it’s almost time for this year’s count to begin.
“Data collected by our interns and volunteers are reported to the Hawk Migration Association of North America,” said Chad Schwartz, executive director of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. “Our observations inform global scientific research on raptor populations and migration patterns.
“Such long-term studies are key to helping scientists understand the status of bird populations over time in response to environmental changes such as pollution, development and climate change.”
The start of Lehigh Gap Nature Center’s annual autumn Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch is just over a month out, and preparations are well underway. A tradition in its 64th year, volunteers count birds of prey as they migrate along the raptor "superhighway" in the Valley’s backyard.
And, there is “a lot of exciting news” this year, Schwartz said.
"For the first time this year, the hawk count will be sponsored by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Their support will be directed toward our hawk count internship program, our volunteer team and outreach at the hawk watch."Chad Schwartz, executive director of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center
“For the first time this year, the hawk count will be sponsored by the Pennsylvania Game Commission,” he said. “Their support will be directed toward our hawk count internship program, our volunteer team and outreach at the hawk watch.
“One notable change will be the addition of a weekend intern starting this year. In addition to providing an extra pair of eyes on the skies, the weekend intern will be responsible for educating hawk watch visitors and covering weekend shifts when volunteers are not available.”
Center officials have also scheduled a Fall Migration Picnic from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, to celebrate the start of the hawk count season.
LGNC officials will provide food, and one of the hawk watchers will be performing music, Schwartz said, adding the picnic is free and open to anyone who is interested in the hawk count, but registration is required for planning purposes.
“We are not seeking any specific number of volunteers,” Schwartz said. “All are welcome to join our fun community of hawk watchers.”
Observers, counters
The Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch started in 1961 in response to the state-approved slaughter of birds of prey — they were viewed as a threat to poultry and other game animals — that decimated raptor populations.
While state and federal laws have since been passed to protect some species, the count has continued annually as other threats, like habitat loss to development, increase. And, by combining data with other hawk watches, scientists can get a wider view on raptor populations to see overarching trends or patterns.
This year’s hawk watch runs from Aug. 15 through Nov. 29.
There are two different volunteer jobs at the hawk watch — observers and counters. The center provides training and resources for both.
This is a great way to learn the art of hawk watching and practice identifying birds.Chad Schwartz, executive director of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center
“Observers can volunteer for any amount of time, any day of the week and do not need prior experience identifying birds,” Schwartz said. “Their job is to spot birds that are migrating past the lookouts.
“This is a great way to learn the art of hawk watching and practice identifying birds.”
Counters sign up for four- or eight-hour weekend shifts — there is some flexibility — to record and report bird migration data. For that job, some prior bird identification experience is needed.
Last year’s numbers
Just shy of 11,000 birds of prey were counted during last year’s hawk watch, which ran from Aug. 15 to Nov. 24. Volunteers recorded more than 300 hours of time on the lookout.
Broad-winged hawks, which are compact birds with wings that come to a distinct point, made up more than 6,400 of the count. Notably, a counter spotted a rough-legged hawk, an arctic raptor that hasn’t been seen in the region since 2012. There were also 367 bald eagles counted this year.
“That's within the top 10 highest counts,” Schwartz said of the eagles at the time. “That's a species that represents a conservation success story. They’ve really, really come back, and each year we've seen pretty strong numbers for bald eagles.”
In May, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law Senate Bill 709, which increased fines from $200 to $2,000 for killing a bald eagle in the commonwealth. State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Lehigh/Northampton, sponsored the bill.
Interested in volunteering at the Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch? Email mail@lgnc.org.
