The Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society Sanctuary overlooking Oneonta in southern Otsego County is the site of the Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch, one of New York State’s premier fall hawk watch locations.
It is particularly noted for late-season flights of red-tailed hawks and golden eagles, as Franklin Mountain offers a panoramic view of the Susquehanna River Valley and the surrounding hills.
Visitors can search for other wildlife from lookouts, interpretive trails, and a wetland boardwalk. In addition to birding, hiking is popular on trails that traverse a variety of habitats on the 100-acre property, including open and mowed fields, second-growth forest, and old pastures.
If you would like to receive alerts for anticipated good days to view raptor migrations at Franklin Mountain, register for Hawkcast, an email early notification system.
Alerts are emailed a day or two before expected good days — approximately once a week through the fall. When the wind blows from the north, especially following periods of rain and the passing of a cold front, hawk and eagle sightings are generally successful.
Read more about birding in New York State.
Photo: Birders at Franklin Mountain Hawkwatch (provided).
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