Winter is in the air, and what better way to get excited than to visit Alta. Sure, there no snow yet, but you can witness some of nature’s most cunning predators at work. Hawkwatch International, along with the Alta Environmental Center and Friends of Alta are joining forces to show off these amazing creatures that inhabit Utah’s mountains.
During this special Hawkwatch event, you can learn about in-flight identification and see first-hand how raptor experts like Jerry Liguori identify these birds of prey. I’ve spent time with Hawkwatch atop Goshute Mountain in Nevada, and it was a thrill to see raptors up close, soaring in the sky as they migrate to warmer climes down south.
Organizers suggest that you bring binoculars, water, snacks, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket. A lift will be in operation for the ride up to a ridge above 10,000 feet, but the group will walk down from the ridge at the end of the day. Expect the walk down to take about a half hour. You’ll be checking out Alta’s bird population along the way.
The Hawkwatch/Alta event happens on Sunday, September 7 from 1-5 p.m. Below is the day’s schedule:
12:00 pm: Albion Grill is offering 25% off lunch for event participants. Grab a lunch then join our HawkWatch experts in the Sunnyside Room below the Albion Grill.
1:00 pm: Meet in the Sunnyside Room at Albion Base for a brief program by Jerry Liguori.
1:30 pm: Take a shuttle and lift up to the ridge where we will be hawk watching for the afternoon.
4:30-5:00 pm: Hike down and more birding (participants may begin their hike down at any time).
The group meets at the Albion Grill or Sunnyside Room depending on your arrival time; both locations are accessed from the Albion Base parking lot.
For more information, check out the event’s Facebook Page.