This Saturday will be golden at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton, thanks to the presence of golden eagles.

On this day, Hawk Mountain offers its once-a-year unique opportunity to see North America’s largest predatory bird during three live Golden Eagle programs at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. in the Outdoor Amphitheater. Programs are free, but a trail fee applies for those who visit scenic overlooks. In the event of rain, programs will be held inside the Visitor Center.

During each program, educators from Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center will present live hawk and owl species to show the adaptations that set eagles apart from smaller birds of prey. The bulk of each program will be dedicated to the star of the show, a non-releasable Golden Eagle.

Golden Eagle Saturday coincides with the peak of the species’ migration at Hawk Mountain.

The Golden Eagle is a true rarity throughout the northeast and they nest in very remote areas of northern Canada. There are no documented nests in the entire commonwealth. In fact, in Pennsylvania, a Golden Eagle is normally not seen at all except when passing through on migration. Here at Hawk Mountain, an average 123 soar by each autumn, the bulk during the first two weeks of November.

In flight, the bird’s plank-like wings stretch more than 7 feet as it soars south along the Kittatinny Ridge or “Blue Mountain.” The adult golden eagle can typically be identified in flight by its overall dark coloring and gold "glistening" neck, massive size, and steady, solitary flight.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a prime observation point for autumn hawk migration because of its location along the easternmost edge of the Appalachian Mountains. Hawks use ridge currents for uplift like glider pilots on long-distance flights.

In addition to birds of prey, hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, songbirds and waterfowl use the Appalachian Mountain Flyway. Some species follow the Appalachians to their end, before heading south to the coastal plains of eastern Mexico and falling out to the tropical forests of Central and South America.

The official Hawk Mountain Hawk Count runs daily from Aug. 15 to Dec. 15. As the world’s first refuge for birds of prey, the sanctuary boasts the longest-running database of hawk migration in the world.

Visiting hawk watchers should wear sturdy shoes, dress in warm, layered clothing, and bring binoculars, something soft to sit upon, and a daypack. The sanctuary has no trash receptacles on site and follows a carry in–carry out trash policy. Snack food and water are available for sale in the Visitor Center.

Trails to the lookouts at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary are open daily from dawn to dusk. Weekday trail fees are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for children ages 6-12. Weekend trail fees from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30 cost $7 for adults and seniors, and $3 for children ages 6-12. Trail fees includes weekend programs, which continue through Nov. 15.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a nonprofit, member-supported organization located just seven miles north of I-78/Cabela’s intersection near Hamburg (exit 29B off I-78).

For more information on weekend programs or for weather forecasts, interested visitors can call the info line at 610-756-6000. For daily hawk counts, visit the sanctuary’s Web site at www.hawkmountain.org.