Every autumn, Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, Nebraska, transforms into a natural theater where hundreds of hawks take center stage. The Annual Hawk Watch is more than a birding event; it’s an immersive encounter with forces of flight that cut sharply through the cool midwestern skies. The forest’s rolling terrain and mature hardwoods set the scene for this seasonal spectacle, drawing casual hikers and seasoned avian enthusiasts eager to witness this migratory parade.

The observation point is reachable via a 2.5-mile loop trail with a moderate elevation change of about 300 feet. The terrain alternates between packed dirt paths and sections of gravel underfoot, framed by towering oaks and hickories that seem to lean toward the wind, anticipating the influx of raptors overhead. The forest floor is scattered with leaves and acorns; the scent of earthy pine punctuates the crisp autumn air, inviting explorers to move deliberately, alert to the faint caws and whirs that announce each hawk’s passage.

Timing your visit mid-September through November is critical to align with peak hawk migration. Early morning or late afternoon are prime viewing windows when thermals lift hawks high, revealing their broad wingspans and sharp silhouettes. Binoculars and a keen eye are essential — hawks are swift and deliberate, fiercely independent travelers whose paths seem choreographed by the forests’ shifting winds.

Hydration and footwear are non-negotiable. Trails can be slick from early frost or after rain, so waterproof hiking boots with good tread will anchor your steps on uneven ground. Dress in layers as temperatures dip quickly with the fall breeze. Consider a light windbreaker and a hat to shield from sun or chill, and don’t forget a water bottle to stay fueled through the hike. The visitor center provides maps and hawk identification guides, enhancing the experience with both practical and educational layers.

Engaging with this event is an exercise in patience and attentiveness; hawks don’t hurry but command respect as they ride gusts and thermals, their sharp cries slicing through the quiet canopy. Side trails lead to smaller overlooks, lesser-known vantage points good for breaking the group or finding solitude among an acorn-strewn clearing. Listen for the rustling underbrush—the forest’s smaller residents, squirrels and woodpeckers, play their part in this vibrant ecosystem.

Practical considerations include arriving early to secure parking, as weekends see increased traffic. Restroom facilities are available near the observation area, and the forest staff often host educational talks on migration patterns and conservation efforts. The Annual Hawk Watch is a chance to connect directly with the rhythm of nature, a tangible reminder of the passage of seasons and the relentless journey these raptors undertake.

For anyone ready to step into this encounter, the experience delivers a blend of immersive nature and hands-on learning. The forest insists on respect—on matching your pace to the deliberate glide of wings and the layered calls of the wild. It’s an adventure in observation, reflection, and a measured dance with forces fiercely themselves.