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For over 30 years, from September through December, birds-of-prey enthusiasts gather on top of Hitchcock Nature Center's 45-foot observation tower every day to observe and count thousands of eagles, hawks, and other raptors as they migrate south. The broad expanse of the adjacent Missouri River Valley, combined with prevailing westerly winds that move through the Loess Hills, creates the perfect conditions for migrating raptors as they journey south. This “hawk highway” sees thousands of birds each year and our team of volunteers along with a research biologist is there to record their numbers, contributing to a database of valuable raptor research.

Meet long-time Hawk-Watcher, Bob Wells, to learn about this important research program and watch and report sightings of raptors for HawkWatch International on the tower at Hitchcock Nature Center. We will meet at the base of the tower. Please register, and bring your binoculars!