Summitville Hawk Watch

Osprey in flight. Photo Credit: Victor Lamoureux

Sullivan County Audubon, a new TC member club in 2004, will continue to manage a hawk watch at the Roosa Gap Fire Tower on the Shawangunk Ridge near Wurtsboro, NY. The tower and surrounding 151-acre parcel were purchased by the Trail Conference in 2003 to protect the Shawangunk Ridge trail corridor in the southern Gunks. The property was subsequently sold to NY State with conservation restrictions in 2004.

Hawk watching season runs from September through November. Space is limited on the observation tower so if you would like to participate please arrange with SCA (fieldtrips@sullivanaudubon.org) at least a week in advance of your trip. Eight or greater power binoculars are a must. Also, the summit receives high winds, so dress warmly.

Results from the hawk watch for 2003 and 2004 are posted HERE

We are also assessing the potential for a second hawk watch at a fire tower recently acquired by the Trail Conference in Orange County, to achieve better coverage of the hawk migration along the southern Shawangunk Ridge. The tower needs some minor repairs and we are exploring our options for supplies, labor, and funding. If you would like to get involved with this fire tower rehab project, contact Josh Erdsneker, TC Volunteer Director.

V3 Last updated: March 16, 2005   Copyright © 1996-2005  New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Privacy Statement.