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Migrating hawks in the sky are the headliners, but also on the bill at Audubon Greenwich's Hawk Fest and Green Bazaar, are kid-friendly activities and music shows, nature games, a honey harvest with a chance to help spin honey from the combs, hikes, strolls and "eco-friendly" vendors of all kinds. The event, on October 9 and 10, celebrates the annual fall hawk migration. The birds can be seen overhead, during the Hawk Fest at Audubon Greenwich's "Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch".
According to Connecticut Audubon and The Raptor Trust, which rehabilitates injured birds, the hawk migration begins in August and ends in December. "Hawk" describes the entire group of diurnal (active by day) predatory birds also called birds of prey or raptors. Through the fall, hundreds of thousands of raptors, including hawks, eagles, ospreys and falcons, start their journey from North America to winter in locations as far away as southern South America. In Connecticut, there are about 16 hawk species that regularly migrate to the state. And when they get hungry along the way, their powerful eyesight (eight times that of humans) makes finding a meal very easy. They also have excellent hearing, hooked beaks and taloned feet. Some can even reach 150 mph while diving for prey.
You can see these handsome and formidable birds at the Hawk Fest and Green Bazaar. Two live bird shows, with Jennifer Pena of Flight of the Raptor, give visitors a close look and on Sunday, Weston's Wildlife in Crisis releases a rehabilitated bird as well. And throughout the Fest's two days, there is the thrill of seeing the migrating hawks, overhead. Hours are: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $7 and $10. For more information, visit Audubon Greenwich's website.
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