So many predatory bird nests, so little time.
The fourth annual Raptor Row Ride will feature viewing stops for cyclists for bald eagle, osprey, hawk and American Kestrel nests on April 25 starting in West Homestead.
The Raptor Row Ride traverses the Steel Valley Trail section of the Great Allegheny Passage. The round trip will be approximately 13 miles or 18 miles, depending if cyclists continue after the osprey nest in Duquesne to McKeesport.
Online registration is $20 while day-of registration is $30. Proceeds benefit the Steel Valley Trail.
The event begins at the Town Square in the Waterfront, 270 West Bridge St., West Homestead 9 a.m. from 11 a.m.
Cyclists will be staggered so each group can stop at six to seven raptor nest viewing areas manned by bird experts with spotting scopes. “Note there is no guarantee the birds will be home, but they have been there in the past,” said Roy Bires, Raptor Row Ride leader and maintenance supervisor for the Steel Valley Trail Council.
The event will include the Hays Bald Eagle nest, a red tail hawk nest, a kestrel nest and two osprey nests, all within a nine- to 10-mile section of the trail, according to Bires.
