Hawkwatch Weekend

 

 

Where:  Birds migrating north soar through the area of Milepost 119 on the Glenn Highway each Spring.  On Saturday, April 18, 2009, Anchorage Audubon will host an informal hawk watch with experienced birders on hand to help identify the migrating birds.  April is peak time for migration of raptors, including: rough-legged hawks, northern harriers, Harlan's hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, red-tailed hawks (light and dark morphs) and golden eagles.  Look for lots of parked cars, spotting scopes and birders at the pullout near mile 119.  On Sunday, April 19 the Mat-Su Birders will be on hand to continue the tally of this amazing migration.

 

Who:  For anyone with an interest in birds, migration, spring-skiing and snowshoeing. 

 

Cost:  Free

 

Time:  While the migrating birds can be viewed during any day light hour, the best hours are usually early afternoon.  Birders will be at the mile 119 pull-out from approximately 10a - 3pm each day to help with species identification.

 

Lodging:  Sheep Mountain Lodge will be the host for all non-migrating birders.  Cabins are available for rent - $99- $149+Tax per night, only a few left with running water, all others have a shared bath house facility a short walk from the cabins.    Please call our toll free number at 1-877-645-5121 for more infomation on availability.  Hot tub and sauna available for use. 

 

Dinner is served at Sheep Mountain Lodge, Saturday April 18, 6:00pm.  Please join us for a lasagna dinner buffet, $20 per person includes non-alcoholic drinks and dessert.   A perfect way to end a day of birding; with warmth from the woodstove, tally the days sightings. 

 

 

 

 

8:00a-10:30a Breakfast Includes:  fresh fruit, home-baked good, continental breakfast items (cereal,etc.), sausage and our speciality, sourdough pancakes.  Don't worry - buttermilk pancakes will be served for the Cheechakos in the crowd.  $9 per person, includes coffee/tea and juice. 

 

The Mat-Su Birders will be at the hawkwatch site on Sunday to answer any questions and to help identify soaring birds.  Bring a dish to share at this annual potluck, a bar-b-que will be on hand for grilling.  This has brought out grand-champion recipes in the past and is always a fun day of birding.  For more information on the Mat-Su Birders visit the - Mat-Su Birder's web page.  There is a "Birding Hotspots" document available at the Mat-Su Birders web page that has the Glenn Highway - Sheep Mountain area mentioned as a great locale for Spring raptor migration viewing.