Situated in east-central Pennsylvania, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary covers an area of 2 600 acres. Add to this the 13 000 acres of public and private lands and the birds of prey are provided with a vast protected tract of contiguous forest. The varied topography of Hawk Mountain offers flora and fauna a variety of habitats. The main tree species growing there include Red Maple, hickory, birches, five oak species and Black Gum. Older sections of forest are the perfect haven for Pileated Woodpeckers and Winter Wrens.

Keen birders will certainly find Hawk Mountain Sanctuary a fantastic destination. Some 265 bird species have been documented in the area since 1934, with over 65 species regularly nesting there. The area serves as an important stopover habitat for some 100 migratory bird species, of which 16 are raptor species. Amongst the migrant birds nesting at Hawk Mountain are Wood Thrushes, Ovenbirds and Scarlet Tanagers. Broad-winged, Sharp-shinned, Red-tailed and Cooper’s hawks have been seen nesting in the sanctuary, as have Great Horned, Eastern Screech, Northern Saw-Whet and Barred owls.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary does much to contribute towards raptor conservation. By means of their Conservation Science Program they seek to gain further insight into raptor migration, raptor population statuses, and how raptors live in the ecosystems where they reside. The Acopian Center for Conservation Learning was opened at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in 2002 and serves as a biological field station, as well as a training facility. Scientists, conservationists and the sanctuary’s personnel can work together here, making use of the GIS map lab, the world’s largest library of raptor literature, the archival storage room, a teaching lab, conference area and office spaces. Members of the public may only access the center on special occasions or by appointment.

Those who decide to visit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary are advised to start off at the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center has a number of interesting exhibits, including stunning carved replicas of Hawk Mountain’s most regular raptor visitors. As you browse through the displays you will learn about raptors, conservation and migration. The best time to visit is between the months of September and November, as this is when the greatest numbers of falcons, hawks and eagles are passing through. The trails at Hawk Mountain are open throughout the year (with a few exceptions), and from dawn until dusk. There is a trail admission charge for non-members, and this fee goes towards the maintenance of the sanctuary and its conservation programs.

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Situated on the historic North Side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the National Aviary is an absolute bird-lovers paradise. Open every day of the year (except Christmas) the National Aviary offers the perfect opportunity for the public to become better acquainted with an incredible variety of birds. With an annual attendance of more than 100,000 visitors since opening in 1999, this multi award winning attraction is actively pursuing their goal of inspiring respect for nature through an appreciation of birds.

The National Aviary is home to a collection of more than 600 birds, representing over 200 species from around the world, many of which are threatened or endangered in their natural habitats. Visitors are encouraged to interact with free-flying birds in the large walk-through exhibits, and this up-close interaction, including hand-feeding of the birds, makes for an unforgettable experience. Visitors are able to observe the birds in nature-identical habitats, as they go about their daily activities of eating, bathing, grooming, flying and playing. Daily events such as the Penguin Encounter, Raptor Encounter and feeding times serve to enhance the experience of a visit to the National Aviary.

New residents are continually being welcomed at the National Aviary. Some of the more recent arrivals include the Blue-bellied Roller (Coracias cyanogaster), Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus), Green Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus), Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris) and Shama Thrush (Copsychus malabaricus).

Numerous bird-related events are hosted by the National Aviary throughout the year and interactive programs provide loads of family fun. Lories and Friends is an interactive nose-to-beak encounter with a flock of friendly, curious, and often cheeky, rainbow lorikeets. Visitors can purchase nectar treats to feed the birds at the Lories and Friends exhibit. The Penguin Connection has guests sitting in a circle with a penguin walking around freely among them as the trainer imparts interesting facts about these fascinating birds. For younger visitors, Little Peepers presents craft activities, stories, and age-appropriate facts about birds and conservation.

The National Aviary takes its responsibility as an environmental organization very seriously and plays an active role in avian research projects and conservation with the emphasis on saving endangered species by means of habitat preservation, as well as participating in scientifically controlled breeding programs. There is no doubt that the National Aviary makes every effort to ensure that visitors enjoy their stay and leave with a deeper appreciation for the many colorful feathered creatures that share our planet.

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