All sixth graders
visit Hawk Mountain during the fall to count raptors. The sanctuary
spans 2,400 acres of Appalachian forest along a major flyway for
migrating birds. Students are led through an interactive discussion
with one of Hawk Mountain’s educators, and are shown one
of the sanctuary’s non-releasable birds of prey. Students
then take a 1 1/2 mile hike up to the Northern lookout atop the
ridge. We spend approximately 2 hours scanning the surrounding
ridges and valleys for migrating raptors.
On the second trip
this year, students spotted more than 25 birds, including turkey
vultures, sharp-shinned hawks, red-tailed hawks, and even a merlin!
In class, students are studying raptor migration, adaptations,
and biology. This page is designed to lead you through our trip
and to show you a little more about what our students are learning.
This project designed and implemented
by Renee Seiple
for Germantown
Academy middle school students. Technical assistance and page
design furnished by Carol
Siwinski, Curricular
Technology Specialist.
Last updated November, 2001