Hawk Cliff is one of the premier destinations for hawk watchers from much of eastern North America. Indeed, as a hawk watch, Hawk Cliff is known worldwide. Hawk migration was first noted here in the late 1800s. In recent years crowds of people have come for the special weekends (usually in mid-September) organized by the Hawk Cliff Banding Group and the St Thomas Field Naturalists. The Hawk migration starts in late August and continues to mid-December some years. September has the largest number of Hawks, with more than 20,000 Broad-winged Hawks recorded in one day. October has the greatest number of species with as many as 10 different kinds of hawks on a good migration day. Bald Eagles and Ospreys peak in late September, Peregrine Falcons in early October and Golden Eagles and Red-Shouldered Hawks in late October. Flights of over 1000 Red-tailed Hawks in early November are not unusual. The hawk migration is complimented by impressive numbers of other migrants such as Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in early September, Blue Jays in late September , and American Crows in mid-October. In some years thousands of Monarch Butterflies and hundreds of dragonflies can pass by in one day. The best days for hawk migration usually occur on or the day after a cold weather front has moved through the county producing deep blue skies and big fluffy, cumulus clouds. Even on the slowest days, there are some hardy hawk watchers present to help newcomers know where t look and how to identify hawks. As the migration progresses in late October and late November, depending on weather conditions, the flight pattern of the hawks moves north away from the lake bank. Birds may be spotted as far inland as the Sparta Line.

Location: From St Thomas drive south on Fairview Road to Dexter Line, continue south on the extension of fairview which is called the Hawk Cliff Road. The land on either side of the road is private so stay on the road or road allowance.

Facilities:Park along the road allowance. Portable washrooms may be available in season. Port Stanley is located 6km west of Hawk Cliff. Restaurants are found here.

Managers: Municipality of Central Elgin, St Thomas Field Naturalists, Hawk Cliff Banding group, Hawk Cliff Foundation.