If you are a bird lover, as many in Baristaville apparently are, then save next Saturday, Sept. 15, for the New Jersey Audubon’s Montclair Hawk Watch at the Essex County Mills Reservation.
The annual event, which has been taking place since 1957, is the second oldest continuous hawk watch in the nation. Mid-September marks peak flight days and visitors may catch a glimpse of Sharp-shinned Hawks, Broad-winged Hawks, Osprey, American Kestrel or an occasional Bald Eagle from the Lookout.
Volunteers will be on hand to help spot and identify the hawks as they move through the ridges of the Watchung Mountains. There will also be activities for children on the hawk watch platform.
The hawks won’t be the only thing to look at. According to the New Jersey Audubon, the Lookout provides views of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, the entire New York City skyline including the Statue of Liberty, the Ramapo Mountains and the beginning of the Second Watchung Mountain.
The program begins at 9 a.m. and is free to the public, though registration is required (contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 or kelly.wenzel@njaudubon.org). Park along Edgecliff Road, near the pathway to the stairs. It is advised that you bring a hat, water, and folding chair.
Photo from Wikipedia
I used to attend Hawk Watches with my pet rabbit, Agammenon. He seemed to be so transfixed watching the hawks — like he was hypnotized by them. Then one day we went to one of these hawk watching deals and I turnd my back and he just up and disappeared, just like that. I guess he must of run off with a little lady bunny or something.
Pass the bottle, hip.
Hipflask, his real name was probably Harvey….You can’t trust a Pooka.
PAZ in DFW
steep stairs but this is what you can see in the fall
https://www.njaudubon.org/SectionSightings/MontclairHawkWatchFallTotals.aspx