There Is Still Time To See Raptors Soaring Over Somerset County

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — There is still time to witness the thousands of hawks, falcons, and eagles flying overhead.

From now through November, the Washington Valley Park Hawk Watch Area, off Vosseller Avenue at the end of Miller Lane in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater is one of the best places to see these extraordinary birds as they make their journey south to far away places in Central and South America.

In the first three weeks of the 2016 prime season, more than 1,200 raptors were counted representing approximately 20 species.

Endangered and threatened birds like Ospreys, Peregrine Falcons, and Bald Eagles are some of the most noteworthy of the birds soaring above the area.

Following a cold front, the winds shift from the northwest, setting the stage for a day of effortless flight. When the condition occurs in mid-September while the Broad-winged Hawk migration is at its peak, more than 10,000 raptors can be seen in a single day.

For information on this and other Somerset County park Commission events visit www.somersetcountyparks.org.

(Image provided: Somerset County Hawk Watch off Miler Lane in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater)

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