Hawk+Mountain+Trip+Journal


 * Mr. Del Duca **


 * 10/03 **


 * The morning was gray and overcast. Our first hawk spotted in the bus was a large eagle on the back of a Yeugling truck. Was this the first and only bird we would spot all day? The day became more promising as we listened to the speaker in the Gallery of Birds in the visitors center. They had already spotted an eagle, an osprey, and a sharpie on the northern lookout. Out of nervousness, the American kestral "relieved itself" on the vinal mat under the speaker. With great confidence, the speaker told us that losing weight quickly was a natural adaptation used in survival. From this point on I knew it was going to be a great day. The wind began to howl on the trail and water quickly began to evaporate off of the rocks. After some reflection on one of the early outlooks, we headed to the North Lookout. It was here on this famous tumble of boulders that the first of many bandages were taken out of my first aid kit. As we sat on the lookout we saw an American kestral almost greet us on the summit. Ospreys flew like seagulls over the north lookout (over 90 ospreys for the day) On the trail towards the river of rocks, the sun began to peak through the trees. We met Mrs. Suter and Mr. Stround and their group on the river of rocks. The boys sprinted from rock to rock as if playing on a beach. It turned out to be a specactacular day. Sometimes you just need to be patient and embrace the weather. **