Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch

Named for its world-renowned fossil beds, Dinosaur Ridge Hawk Watch is a window into the seasonal movement of birds of prey called raptors. These are hawks, eagles, falcons and more, all flying over Colorado's Front Range. Raptors migrate along the eastern mountainous edge of the Rockies in part because the mountain updrafts enable them to soar, conserving their energy during their long journeys north to their breeding grounds in the spring.

Each spring, professional hawk counters and volunteer spotters observe, identify and count the passing raptors to provide a snapshot in time of their population and migration patterns. The data is compiled with other hawk watches across the country to inform conservation of these magnificent birds.

Denver Field Ornithologists' vital community science program educates K-12 students, volunteers, college interns, and visitors enjoying the trail, on migration, conservation, and raptor identification skills.