“This is a spectacular view,” Cathy Folio said as she looked out over the South lookout at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

The 68-year-old from Effort took the semester off from her teaching job to explore. She didn’t see any bald eagles though.

“The only thing I’m really seeing is the monarchs,” she said in speaking about the butterfly.

The winged creatures were plentiful as 849 were counted, migration data show. The annual raptor count started Aug. 15 and goes through Dec. 15.

Last Friday, 279 raptors were noticed. Among those were nine bald eagles, 186 broad-winged hawks and 33 American kestrels.

Sean Grace, president of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association, estimated about 22 people were at the North or South lookouts. Visitors should come “to appreciate nature and learn a little about migration and how important it is,” he said.

The Kittatinny Ridge, also known as the Blue Mountain in Schuylkill County, is the backdrop for the flight path.

The 2,600-acre site sees more than 60,000 visitors a year, according to its website.

Grace said attendance was “fabulous,” in 2020.

“Last year, I would say we were on the neighborhood of 80,000 visits,” he said because people wanted to get out of the house and enjoy nature.”

David Barber, senior research biologist with Hawk Mountain, said the northwest winds last Friday created the most updrafts making flight easier for the raptors and monarchs.

“I honestly don’t know why there are so many monarchs today,” he said.

Bill Holdorff, 37; his wife, Johanna, 45; and their children Olive, 6, and Liam, 2, of Hamburg were out for a stroll.

“It’s beautiful today,” Johanna said.

They didn’t see any eagles but plenty of butterflies at the South lookout.

Carly Schell, 20, and her friend Alyssa Rugger, 20, both of Pottstown, sat on the rocks at the North lookout scanning the sky with their binoculars. Monarchs were seen the most. They believe two hawks were flying at the South lookout earlier in the day.

Schell has visited Hawk Mountain six or seven times. This was the first time for Rugger.

“I always hope to see eagles when I come here,” Schell said.

As of Tuesday, 4,374 raptors were counted. Broad-winged hawks are the most abundant at 3,708, followed by osprey at 188 and bald eagles at 177.

Appropriate attire is recommended for hiking the 8 miles of trails and other amenities. Trails are open from dawn to dusk. A fee applies for nontrail members. Prices vary.

Call 610-756-6961 for more information or visit hawkmountain.org.