HEIDELBERG TWP., Pa. — Lehigh Gap Nature Center’s annual autumn Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch begins today, Aug. 15.
A decades-long tradition, the watch has center officials and volunteers count birds of prey as they migrate along the raptor "superhighway" in the Valley’s backyard.
It’s a data-collection conservation effort aimed at protecting raptor species while engaging local residents.
“Birds are some of the best indicators of environmental health."Chad Schwartz, executive director of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center
“Birds are some of the best indicators of environmental health,” Lehigh Gap Nature Center Executive Director Chad Schwartz said.
“Counting birds, including raptors, over time allows scientists to study their migratory patterns, track their populations and understand the threats they face.”
Data from the watch is fed to the Hawk Migration Association, an international organization that manages records from hawk watches across North America.
No birding experience needed
The Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch started in the early 1960s in response to the state-approved slaughter of birds of prey — they were viewed as a threat to poultry and other game animals — that decimated raptor populations.
While state and federal laws have since been passed to protect some species, the count has continued annually as other threats, such as habitat loss to development, increase.
And by combining data with other hawk watches, scientists can get a wider view on raptor populations to see overarching trends or patterns.
This year’s hawk watch runs through Nov. 28.
For the second year, the count is being sponsored by the state Game Commission.
“The Pennsylvania Game Commission sponsorship has been tremendously helpful,” Schwartz said. “We are currently in year two of a five-year cooperative agreement.
"PGC’s support has allowed us to hire Weekend Hawk Watchers, purchase new supplies and educational materials and expand hawk watch outreach efforts.”
The Weekend Hawk Watchers will educate visitors at the hawk watch on weekends throughout the season, he said.
Observers and counters needed
There are two different volunteer jobs at the hawk watch — observers and counters. The center provides training and resources for both.
“Observers help our hawk counters locate migrating birds of prey from two scenic lookouts at Bake Oven Knob. This volunteer role is great for birders of all ages and experience levels. Counters are responsible for counting and recording migrating raptors. This role is for more experienced hawk watchers.”Chad Schwartz, executive director of the Lehigh Gap Nature Center
“We are seeking volunteer observers and counters to help at the hawk watch this season,” Schwartz said.
“Observers help our hawk counters locate migrating birds of prey from two scenic lookouts at Bake Oven Knob. This volunteer role is great for birders of all ages and experience levels.
"Counters are responsible for counting and recording migrating raptors. This role is for more experienced hawk watchers.”
No birding experience is needed to get started, he said.
LGNC will offer two public programs next month for those interested in participating — a virtual information session 7 p.m. Sept. 10, followed by a guided hike at 9 a.m. Sept. 13.
“The virtual program will provide an overview of our raptor research at Bake Oven Knob and share opportunities for folks to get involved with our 65th hawk count,” Schwartz said.
“The Saturday hike will offer more information about the hawk count and an opportunity for folks to observe the migration from our South Lookout.
"Registration is open via our website, lgnc.org.”
Last year’s count
During the 2024 season, 9,373 migrating raptors were recorded.
While the overall count is lower than the year prior, which saw just shy of 11,000, officials said many species exceeded 2023 totals.
2024’s lower count was attributed to weather — a lack of rain made for more days to count, but cold fronts that come along with the rain usually generate winds that help the birds come through.
While there were less broad-winged hawks than usual, attributed to the weather, it was the second-highest bald eagle count, with 437 recorded. The Cooper’s hawk and merlin totals — 346 and 104, respectively — were within the top 10 highest counts for each species.
While still below long-term averages, osprey, northern harrier, sharp-shinned hawk and red-shouldered hawk totals were above their respective five-year averages.
