09/16/2024
We recently learned that there's a rather new, very promising Hawkwatch site located on the Chestnut Ridge. (Thank you to Don Koch for the following information!)
If you have ever visited Uniontown, PA in Fayette County, and looked east to the ridge top, you may have noticed the huge Jumonville Cross perched in an opening on the ridge top. If you have, you’ve seen the exact location of the Summit Mountain Hawkwatch. It represents the closest Hawkwatch to both Pittsburgh and Greensburg.
Peter Livengood is the founder of this Hawkwatch. He started this site in 2018 as a Boy Scout research project and has manned it periodically ever since. But this fall of 2024 represents his first all-out effort at this site. The numbers amassed so far are proving this site to be a valuable addition to Hawk Migration Association of North America’s roster of Pennsylvanian Hawkwatches.
At this site, there are views to both the east and the west, and the birds are somewhat scattered at times. More observers would certainly help the cause, as more eyes would equate to better coverage.
The Summit Mountain site itself is open to the public, but access to the site entails a 1/2 mile, rather steep climb up a narrow paved road to the cross/watch site. If you aren’t able to make the climb, visitors can reach Peter at 724-984-2119 to arrange for him to unlock the gate in order for you to be able to drive up to the watch site. Please note parking is very limited, so carpooling may be necessary.
For more information, or to find another Hawkwatch site near you, check out the links below:
https://hawkcount.org/siteinfo.php?r=on&rsite=802&go=Go+To+Hawkwatch+Profile
https://www.hmana.org/new-to-hawkwatching/
You can see dozens, hundreds, and some days thousands of hawks migrating past you right near where you live if you follow these few simple guidelines.