Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch

Welcome to the Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch website!  Here you'll find information for all levels of interest...from the first-time hawkwatch visitor...to the diehard birders, hawkwatchers and stats lovers! Read about what we do at the Hawk Cliff hawkwatch and learn why studying migrating raptors and their populations is important.

Hours of operation:

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (most days from Sept 1st - Nov 30th)

Directions:

Click here (or on the button to the left) for directions to the Hawk Cliff hawkwatch.

Membership Renewal:

Don't forget to renew your membership by September 15, 2008

Visitor Tips

If you're planning a visit to Hawk Cliff you'll need to consider bringing the following:

• a pair of binoculars. Although there are a few days each season where the birds are low enough to eyeball without binoculars...it's much more enjoyable to have a pair to get more detail on the birds.

• a raptor field guide. There are some great raptor field guides on the market these days, and having one handy will help visitors identify the various raptors. If you don't have a field guide yet you can always purchase the Hawk Cliff Hawkwatch field guide "Migrating Raptors of Hawk Cliff" (click here or on the image at right for sample pages). Our guide goes for just $10.00...and of course the money goes directly to supporting HCF activities and projects.

• a fold-up chair. Hawkwatching is the ultimate in laid back bird watching. Just set up you're chair so it's facing east and keep an eye out for migrating raptors.

• layers of clothing. This applies more once we get towards the end of September and on into October and November...because it can get COLD!! Having multiple layers allows removing some if it gets warmer in the afternoon.

• food and drink. There's no food or drink available at the hawkwatch itself so we suggest you bring along a lunch or snacks and some sort of beverage (it can get very warm in September). Note that Port Stanley is just a couple of minutes west of the hawkwatch and there's numerous locations where you can dine or purchase food and drink.

• spotting scope. For those that have a spotting scope, the hawkwatch is a great place to try it out. It usually takes some practice to get on the rapidly moving targets, but if you get good at it you can get some fantastic detail on the birds.

Before you head down to the hawkwatch you should also take a look at the "Hawkwatching" page to find out when it's best to visit for "big flight" days or to see specific species and where to watch for them. This page will also provide links to local weather websites to help you decide if the weather is going to cooperate for a decent flight or not.