Chelan Ridge Hawk Migration Festival

After exploratory surveys at Chelan Ridge HawkWatch in 1997, Hawkwatch International, in partnership with the USFS Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, began annual standardized counts at the site in 1998 to monitor and learn more about raptors migrating through the east Cascades of Washington within the Pacific Coast Flyway. Counts typically range between 2,000-3,000 migrants of up to 17 species per season. The most commonly seen species are the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Harrier, Golden Eagle, and American Kestrel. HWI has also been banding raptors at Chelan Ridge since 2001 and has used the site to conduct satellite tracking research.

Chelan Ridge HawkWatch is located on USFS Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest public land, and we welcome people and groups to visit and learn about raptor migration and local ecology.

Come visit at the site–everyone is welcome! Our crew will help you learn more about migration ecology, raptor identification, and our research efforts. If you are a large group, please contact us to schedule your visit in advance. Weekends can get busy, and we want to make sure your group has the best experience possible. If you are an individual or small group (5 or less), you do not need to schedule your visit.