Special to The Record | USA TODAY NETWORK - NEW JERSEY

   One of birding’s best times of year begins next Tuesday with the annual raptor count at the State Line Hawk Watch in Alpine. 

   Watching raptors as they head south is one of nature’s great spectacles, and North Jerseyans are lucky to live along the Atlantic Flyway, a major interstate route for migrating hawks.

   The count runs through Nov. 15, and my binoculars and I will be there as often as we can. State Line is my favorite hawk watch because it offers:
  * Great looks at plenty of migrating raptors. That’s the primary reason for going, and if you hit the right day in the next few weeks, you might see thousands of broad-wing hawks. One afternoon last September, I counted more than 1,200 migrating hawks in one hour. 

  * Fascinating year-round birds. Let’s face it. Sometimes the winds are heading in the wrong direction, or there’s a lull in the migration. At State Line, resident peregrine falcons – the world’s fastest creatures – have put on a show for photographers in recent years. Ravens and vultures hang out as well.

  * Panoramic views. State Line is located 500 feet atop the historic Hudson River Palisades, and the views of the river and beyond are memorable. 

  * Nearby food and restrooms. State Line has a well-equipped snack bar 100 feet from the hawk watch, and if you’re there for any length of time, you’ll be thankful for these conveniences.

  * Helpful hawk watchers. State Line attracts a knowledgeable and congenial bunch of birders, and most are generous with their expertise. They know the lookout is a great spot to help people appreciate nature,

  I suggest bringing water, sunblock, a picnic lunch perhaps, and needless to say, a good pair of binoculars. In case the hawk-watching slows – and it will – you might bring something to read and wear sturdy boots or walking shoes.

   State Line offers plenty of trails and a wide roadway (old Route 9W) for hikers and walkers, and the area gets especially crowded on autumn weekends. Best to arrive early. 

  Parking is even more challenging these days because you have to pay to park. Although you can pay by credit card at a kiosk, by far the easiest method is via the ParkMobile app on your cell phone. I advise downloading the app now to reduce the time and hassle when you arrive at State Line.

  The weekday rates are $1.50 an hour for the first four hours and  $1 an hour thereafter; more on weekends.  Wednesdays are free, and seniors age 62 and up can get a senior parking pass for $3.50 a season. (It’s best to apply by mail, the sooner the better.)

      The turn-off for the State Line lookout is two miles north of Exit 2 on the Palisades Interstate Parkway.

The Bird Watcher column appears every other Thursday. Jim’s next book, "The Screech Owl Companion," will be published by Timber Press. Email Jim at [email protected].