Hawks Aloft

by Maurice Broun

Chronicles the founding of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the world's first refuge for birds of prey. This personal account by the Sanctuary's first curator shares the difficulties and discoveries he and his wife encountered during their first years on the mountain. Published in coordination with the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association.

Genres: Birds, History, Nonfiction, Nature

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1948

Reviews

[Tony Zitta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent to strong 7 - learned a hell of a lot when I thought I already knew this place. Came to respect the sanctuary even more and it’s humble beginnings. Shoutout to my 1930s PA Dutch homies too 🤙

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read - a moving story about struggles of conservation and the evidence of its impact on the general public.

[Michael Stoudt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book my brother had in that he loved Hawk Mountain. I read this because after his passing, I wanted to learn more about Hawk Mountain than what I knew. I am glad I did! This book was written by the man who helped form the conservancy that is Hawk Mountain. I have learned so much more about the early days of the Mountain. It is a good read, recommended.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawks Aloft brings the amazing true story of the fight for nature and the saving of essential ecosystem participants and conservation. Brings me back to the memories of my childhood and the memories I continue to make as an adult visiting the breathtaking beauty in my backyard. A wonderful telling and account of how Hawk Mountain Sanctuary came to be and is still thriving to this day.

[Brynn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first two parts, but the third was a bit dull and repetitive. It could be summed up as he saw a lot of cool birds

[Jacquie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting collection of essays, though there is a loose narrative. Illuminating to reflect back on the struggles of conservation around the early 1900s and how it has, and hasn't changed.

[Charles Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly the first book devoted to birding I have ever read, and it started me out on a high note.

[Cody Grim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many bird descriptions but I suppose I should’ve seen that coming. The stuff describing life in the 30s and 40s is cool but there isn’t nearly enough of it.

[John Walton Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Counting the days until Fall migration. Oh, to live the life of Maurice Broun.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the first half of the book and then it kind of dragged on with not very exciting stories detailing bird counts, etc.
The first half told about how Hawk Mountain went from a place where hundreds of hawks would be shot in a day to a sanctuary when some conservationists took control of the land.
It really is awesome to see what a difference can be made by only a few people. But skip the second half of the book unless you like bird watching tech talk.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, Hawks Aloft is a piece of local history. It's strange to compare the pictures of the lookouts from 50-60 years ago to today. They look almost identical!

I enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it to bird lovers or anyone else who has memories of Hawk Mountain.