Hawk watch on Sunrise Mountain planned

MILFORD — Fall is time for several species of hawks, falcons and other birds of prey to migrate from the northeastern United States to southern climates. On Saturday, Oct. 18, Peter Wulfhorst, past-president of the Gifford Pinchot Audubon Society, will lead a trip to Sunrise Mountain in Sussex County, N.J., to observe migrating hawks.

Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Grand Union in Milford to car pool to Sunrise Mountain. The watch will extend into the afternoon, depending on how many birds are migrating.

October provides the greatest variety of hawks, including sharp-shinned hawk, Coopers hawk, northern harrier, American kestrel, golden eagle, northern goshawk and red-shouldered hawk. On days with northwest winds, the Kittatinny Ridge, which runs northeast to southwest, provides lift for the hawks on their migration, who in this way conserve their energy for the long flight.

The field trip is free and open to the public. Bring a lunch.

For more information or to register for the trip, call Wulfhorst at 570-296-2244 between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.