The sun rose to clear skies and crisp, beautiful fall weather on Sunday, October 16, a perfect day for a hike to the Hawkwatch.  More than 75 people joined The Land Conservancy of New Jersey staff to check out the fall colors, amazing views and migrating hawks at one of New Jersey’s best “Watchable Wildlife” sites located in Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area in Rockaway Township.

Hikers climbed the mile-long Orange Flyway Trail with Conservancy Membership and Outreach Manager Barbara McCloskey and Conservancy Naturalist Dennis Briede.   Fred Vanderburgh from the Hawk Migration Association of North America was at the overlook counting hawks and shared information about the importance of monitoring raptor populations. He explained that because raptors are sensitive bio-indicators, changes in the numbers of raptors reflect changes in the health of the environment.   After the hike back down the trail, hikers were treated to warm, freshly made trail mix and breakfast burritos all cooked on outdoor equipment by Peg Crilly and Debbie Weinstein from REI.

“We thank REI for joining us and providing energy bars to all the hikers and to Fred from the Hawk Migration Association for speaking to the group. We never expected such a great turnout and were thrilled that so many people were interested in this hike,” says Barbara McCloskey

The Wildcat Ridge Hawkwatch was founded in 1996.  In 1999 the American Tower Corporation donated the fifteen acres at the top of the mountain that included this overlook to The Land Conservancy of New Jersey.  The Conservancy then transferred the property to the State of New Jersey, connecting preserved land within Wildcat Ridge Wildlife Management Area.  This location has the advantage of overseeing the valley, plus it has a vista of over 190 degrees and a 40+ mile view. The view includes Pyramid Mountain, the Manhattan skyline and The Tourne.

See more pictures from the day here!