Hawkwatching season is here.

Freeport Wild Bird Supply is partnering with Nikon Sport Optics to sponsor the Spring Hawkwatch at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal.

This year’s official counter is Steve Kolbe, who will be stationed at the summit of Bradbury Mountain from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, now through May 15.

Rising 485 feet above the southern coastal plain, Bradbury Mountain provides unimpeded views to the south and east all the way to the islands of Casco Bay. Observers watch raptors using a variety of migratory methods as they work their way north. The goal of the project is to document this migration by identifying and counting all raptors that pass by the mountain. Over a period of years, the data can be analyzed to determine trends in species numbers and distribution. 

And hawkwatching is a social activity that is accessible to birders of all abilities. Organized hawkwatch sites such as Bradbury Mountain are great places to meet new people and learn about raptors and the conservation issues they face at the same time.  

If you’re interested, grab your binoculars and join Kolbe atop Bradbury Mountain this spring. The hawkwatch is free, though there is an entry fee to the park.

For more information, go to www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com.