field trip registration

Thursday, September 19, 2024
7:00 am to 11:00 am*
Hook Mountain
Hawk Watch
Upper Nyack, New York
* leave earlier or later as desired

Note: we will also have a field trip here on Thu Oct 24 with same meeting place however for Thu Nov 7 we will meet at the trailhead along Route 9W which is described below.

Hook-Mountain-Hawk-Watch

Hook Mountain Hawk Watch is on top of Hook Mountain in Rockland County, north of the Tappan Zee Bridge and most easily reached by a trail from Rockland Lake State Park’s Executive Golf Course where this field trip starts. [Google map link.] 

This Hawk Watch is staffed by volunteers with (usually) daily coverage September through November as well as a regular crew of birders and bird photographers present most days during fall migration.

 
Meet the group from Saw Mill River Audubon at 7:00 am at flagpole in front of the Executive Golf Course clubhouse inside Rockland Lake State Park. (There are public restrooms in the clubhouse but no restroom options atop the mountain.)
 
The trail to the hawk watch from the Executive Golf Course is just under a mile and climbs up to 700+ summit of Hook Mountain.  There is another approach to the Hawk Watch from Route 9W.
 
For many hikers, we suggest hiking poles.  Definitely wear sturdy shoes intended for hiking.
 
We will park at Rockland Lake State Park Executive Golf Course, meet at the flagpole there at 7:00 am, and then take the yellow trail up to the ridge line and turn right to follow the blue trail to the Hawk Watch area.
We will park at Rockland Lake State Park Executive Golf Course, meet at the flagpole there at 7:00 am, and then take the yellow trail up to the ridge line and turn right to follow the blue trail to the Hawk Watch area.

Most prefer to stay up top for at least three hours and maybe longer depending on the flight. You are welcome to stay longer or shorter as you wish!  

Depending on your timing, you may or may not have company with you as you walk back down the trail so consider whether you are comfortable doing that on your own.  It’s a well-marked and well-used trail.

Dress for the weather but in layers so you can adapt if the exposed sun is too warm or if breezes above the river get too chilly. Bring water or other beverage.  Bring something to eat if staying longer.
 
Bring binoculars or let us know in advance if you want to borrow one or more from SMRA to use during this field trip.
 

Register for this Trip

Contact Person(Required)
Add participant names in next box below.
Contact Email(Required)
We will send a confirmation email with all field trip details right after you register and a reminder email a few days before the trip. We will also email at least two hours before the trip start IF the trip is cancelled (unlikely), also posting any changes on the SMRA website.
Add cell phone here if we can reach you by text to connect during the field trip