The Tussey Mountain Spring Hawkwatch  

The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is the lesser known cousin of our national bird, the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Primarily a bird of the mountains and foothills of western North America, a small population of golden eagles breeds in remote areas of northeastern Canada and migrates south to spend the winter in the U.S. These birds are most often seen in Pennsylvania during late October and November at well known hawk migration sites like Waggoner's Gap and Hawk Mountain. However, until recently, the spring migration route had remained a mystery. Although some goldens were seen each spring along the south shore of Lake Ontario, the numbers were far less than the fall flight along the Pennsylvania ridges. We started part-time coverage at Tussey Mountain in the mid-1990s and discovered some great spring flights of golden eagles as well as other raptors. Full-time spring coverage since 2001 has shown that Tussey consistently has the highest numbers of migrating golden eagles in the east.

Tussey Mountain Spring Hawkwatch recently began collaborating with a team of researchers using satellite tracking and terrain-based modeling to better understand how golden eagles use the ridges of Pennsylvania and adjacent states during migration. The impetus for the work is the potential conflict between ridge-top wind energy development and the significant numbers of golden eagles (out of a small eastern population) that migrate through the region. See the National Aviary website and the PA Game Commission Press Release for more information on this exciting project.

Tussey Mountain is designated a Pennsylvania Important Bird Area (IBA), based primarily on its importance as a spring raptor migration site, and also as a long corridor of intact forest habitat, over 50% of which is publicly owned. See PA Audubon for more information.

Directions to the Site

The hawkwatch is located in Rothrock State Forest, about 7 miles southwest of State College, Pennsylvania (Lat = 40.71 N, Lon = 77.90 W, Elev = 2050 ft). Here's a map. Take Route 26 south from State College. Bear left at the flashing light in Pine Grove Mills, and continue on Route 26 to the top of Tussey Mountain (locally called "Pine Grove Mtn"). Park in the large gravel lot on the right near Jo Hays Vista. Walk about 2/3 mile on the Mid-State Trail to the southwest along the ridgetop until you get to the powerline (if the winds are from the northwest, Jo Hays Vista is also a good spot). Pick a comfortable rock, be patient, and enjoy the view. The best time to see golden eagles is during the first two weeks of March. Be sure to dress appropriately because March can be brutal on the ridgetop.

About the Hawkwatch

The Tussey Mountain Spring Hawkwatch is directed by Dan Ombalski. Our present sponsors are Shavers Creek Environmental Center (located about three miles south of the watch site), The National Aviary, the State College Bird Club, and private donations. Past sponsors also include the James L. Baillie Memorial Fund, Centre County Community Foundation, and the Juniata Valley Audubon Society. Send your tax-deductible donation to the State College Bird Club, c/o Dan Ombalski, 141 Mulberry Street, Julian, PA 16844 (indicate Tussey Mountain Hawkwatch).