Summer may be coming to an end, but raptor migration season has just begun.
Each year, the annual fall raptor migration takes place from late August to late November. Hawkwatchers count and observe thousands of raptors as they pass overhead en route to their wintering grounds. The data is compiled and recorded to help advance scientific study and research.
This is an amazing time of year to enjoy the outdoors, as thousands of hawks flying overhead become a common sight in Connecticut.
Audubon Connecticut’s bird experts are already watching the skies, and have so far sighted Bald Eagles, Broad-winged Hawks, and American Kestrels among their observations.
It’s not uncommon to see thousands of raptors flying en route to their winter destination—a show better than the latest trending video on Netflix!
Migration will peak in the next couple of weeks.
There are many hawk birding hotspot locations across Connecticut, but the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch at Greenwich Audubon Center is the only ADA-accessible site in the region and the only hawkwatch site in the State with a paid, expert hawk counter on site.
It’s the perfect time to find solace in nature and take in a view of the incredible raptors passing over the majestic fall landscape. Audubon invites you to discover and share this special time of year.
Their official Hawk Watch landing page that features the top viewing sites across Connecticut is live here: https://ct.audubon.org/hawkwatch
The Audubon expert hawk counter is on site at the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch all season, Monday – Fridays. Mid-September – October is the peak of raptor migration. Visitors are required to bring and wear a mask and practice social distancing while on site. To coincide with the fall migration, Audubon Connecticut centers also host educational experiences to provide the public with opportunities to learn more about these amazing birds.
Hawk Week — September 28 – October 4
A full week of online programing hosted by Greenwich Audubon Center and in partnership with hawk experts from around the globe. Look for more details at greenwich.audubon.org as the date gets closer.
Wednesday, September 30, October 7, & October 14 | 7 p.m.
Hawk Identification Workshop [online with Bent of the River Audubon Center]
Raptor Aviaries — Open Daily from Sunrise to Sunset
Sharon Audubon Center