POWNAL, Maine — Bradbury Mountain in Pownal gives up a great view with very little climbing. At just a little over 400 feet, it’s a popular family hike. It’s also a great place to count migrating hawks and other raptors, since it’s right in the middle of their route.
Since 2007, Jeanette and Derek Lovitch of Freeport Wild Bird Supply have been sponsoring and organizing the Bradbury Mountain Hawkwatch. Volunteers and official, stipended counter Anna Stunkel spend nearly every day between March 15 and May 15 counting the feathered critters.
Their efforts, combined with other hawk watches along the migratory path, help to piece together the big picture of the behavior and numbers of these birds.
Since Bradbury Mountain is so popular, it’s also a great way for the counters to meet the public and educate them about wild birds.
“We can reach a lot of people by saying, ‘Hey look, there’s some bald eagles,’” said Lovitch. “And that helps start the conversation.”
