An afternoon hawk release is part of this fall's Raptor Watch Day.

OREM — Thousands of hawks, eagles and other birds of prey fly through Utah's crisp, clear skies every fall.

This fall, a hawk that's been rehabilitated will join them!

This recently recuperated Swainson's hawk will be released on Raptor Watch Day.

Photo by Patti Richards

You can see and learn more about these raptors — and watch the release of a hawk that's been nursed back to health — during this year's Raptor Watch Day.

The event will happen at the Orem overlook on Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The overlook is along Squaw Peak Trail Road, just east of Orem.

A Swainson's hawk that's been nursed back to health by Patti Richards, a wildlife rehabilitator in Springville, will be released at 3 p.m.

Getting to the site

You can reach Squaw Peak Trail Road from Provo Canyon.

To reach the canyon from Interstate 15, exit I-15 at the 800 North exit in Orem (Exit 272) and travel east on 800 North. This road will take you into Provo Canyon.

Once you reach the mouth of the canyon, travel for about two miles, and look for Raptor Watch Day event signs on the south side of the road. Once you see the signs, turn onto Squaw Peak Trail Road and travel to the overlook.

The Division of Wildlife Resources hosts Raptor Watch Day every year. The event is free.

Kick back, and relax

Bob Walters, Watchable Wildlife coordinator for the DWR, says by Sept. 24, the trees near the Orem overlook should be gleaming in their fall colors. And the air at the watch site should be crisp.

"If the skies are clear," Walters says, "you'll be treated to an up-close look at harriers, vultures, eagles, hawks and falcons as they sail overhead."

Walters says experts will be on hand to help you identify the birds and to answer any questions you have about the raptors' fall migration. "Raptor Watch Day is a great opportunity to kick back, relax and watch raptors," he says.

For more information, call Walters at (801) 209-5326.