CASCO — Join Loon Echo Land Trust from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, for an experimental hawk watch on Hacker’s Hill. This field day will be lead by expert birders Dick Anderson, former executive director of Maine Audubon Society (1969-1977), and Don Hudson, president emeritus of the Chewonki Foundation (1990-2010).

Both Anderson and Hudson have conducted many hawk migration watches and will be assisted by several other hawk identification experts. There will also be mounted hawks on hand for participants to get a closer look. As there is no existing data on hawk migrations from this vantage point, this watch will be a bit of an experiment.

“From a technical point of view this looks like a great site but actual observation of hawk migration over the Hill is necessary to confirm the quality of the site as a good hawk watching area,” stated Anderson.

Hawk and eagle migration patterns occur between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Experts will be on hand during these hours for assistance and questions. Participants are welcome to join for an hour or two or for the duration of the program.  Participation is open to all and no registration is required. The only equipment needed are binoculars, a comfortable chair, water and a snack.  Dress appropriately for the weather; this is a rain or shine event.

Throughout the day informal presentations on the efforts of Loon Echo Land Trust’s campaign to purchase Hacker’s Hill will be given. 

Hacker’s Hill is located off of Quaker Ridge Road in Casco, accessible by Route 11 (approximately one mile away) or Route 302 (approximately four miles away). A steep, paved road leads from Quaker Ridge Road to the top of the hill where parking is available.

For more information, visit www.loonecholandtrust.org or call 647-4352.