Watch Hawks at Bonney Butte

Hawk Watch International has been monitoring the fall raptor migration at Bonney Butte on the southeastern flanks of Mt. Hood in northcentral Oregon since 1994. This ongoing effort monitors long-term trends in populations of raptors using this part of the Pacific Coast Flyway through the Cascade Mountains. The project runs from 27 August through 31 October each year. Annual counts typically range from 2,500-4,500 migrant raptors of up to 18 species. The most commonly seen species are the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Turkey Vulture, and Golden Eagle, but this site is noted for relatively high numbers of Merlins (up to 100 or more per year).

We've visited Bonney Butte for several years and it is well worth the adventurous trip up the mountain (high clearance vehicles only). Viewing up close from the blind is awesome, and you may be able to release a netted bird. Click here for a pdf site brochure