Acadia National Park - Hawkwatch

On August 22, 2005, Acadia National Park will begin its eleventh season of Hawkwatch atop Cadillac Mountain (at 1,530 feet, the highest point on the eastern seaboard). Not only does Cadillac Mountain offer a spectacular fall view of the park and Frenchman Bay, but also allows visitors to catch a glimpse of birds of prey that regularly migrate through the area. As the strong updrafts move up the ridge of Cadillac Mountain, visitors are able to get a close look at the soaring raptors. Every year, strong northerly winds push thousands of raptors from Maine and Canada south along the eastern coastline as they migrate to warmer areas for the winter. In the past, Acadia National Park has seen large numbers of sharp-shinned hawks and American kestrels, while many other raptors pass along with them.

Hawkwatches around the country allow researchers to collect important data on raptors. When numbers are brought together, the data helps us understand the status of the raptor population: if the numbers of a species are increasing, decreasing, or stable in the environment. For example, over the past few years, hawkwatches have seen a large increase in the numbers of bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and osprey compared to the 1970s. Their numbers from the 1940s to 1970 were severely decreased due to the pesticide DDT, which caused eggshell thinning and very few young to survive.

Rangers are on duty daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily through October 12 along the Cadillac North Ridge Trail (only 200 easy yards from the summit parking lot). Rangers help and encourage visitors to find and identify raptors passing over. This event provides rewarding memories and allows everyone in the family to participate in the thrill of spotting birds of prey and learning about raptor migration. Pack your lunch, binoculars, field guide, and warm clothing, and join the park rangers for another great season of hawkwatching!