Meet at the lookout at 10 a.m. 40.08184599799254, -78.72774567522777

Leader: Tom Moser, mosertd@gmail.com, 412-478-5513

Directions: From U.S-30 at Reels Corners, take PA-160 north for 4 miles into Central City. Make a sharp right at a BP gas station.  When PA-160 makes a sharp left, instead go straight onto Lambert Street (SR1018).  Go slowly and watch for the “rough” RR crossing.  After the crossing, bear to the right and stay on Lambert Street.  Lambert Street becomes Shaffer Mountain Road (SR1018).   Proceed 1.4 miles out of Central City and bear right at a Y-intersection onto Lambert Mountain Road.  Go 2.9 miles through State Game lands 228 to a small four-way intersection with Fleegle Road.  Go straight thru the intersection.  This will become a gravel road.  Go 0.5 miles to a blue gate on the right.  Turn through the gate and go 0.25 miles to the Hawk Watch parking lot.  If the gate is closed, there is no admittance since it is not manned and is private property.  We will try to make early contact to ensure its availability.

Description: This 5-acre site, managed by the Audubon society, is on the eastern edge of the Allegheny plateau at an elevation of 2850 feet.  https://www.alleghenyplateauaudubon.org/allegheny-front-hawk-watch.  The site provides a unique vantage point, sitting approximately 800 feet above a valley with a surreal 180-degree view.  When weather conditions are right, many raptors follow the valley during spring and fall migrations.  Early November is Golden Eagle “season”, with large numbers expected daily, often flying at eye level.  If there is bad weather, e.g., fog or rain, an email will be sent to inform the club.  Winds from the east are preferred, as they push the birds closer to the lookout for more spectacular viewing.  This is mostly a “sit” outing, so dress for conditions and bring a chair and lunch.  There is a portable restroom available.