Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch

September 19, 2026, Sat
Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch
10:30 a.m.
Priscilla Erickson, RAS Trip Leader

Join famed hawk watcher Priscilla Erickson at the Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch to see up to 15 species of southbound migrating raptors.

For carpooling, meet at 9:00 a.m. at Hickory Haven Park and Ride, just west of Short Pump off I-64 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/MD3E1mq1SdHXf1rR6). If you would rather not carpool, we will meet at the abandoned Inn at Afton around 10:30 a.m. where expert volunteers will help ID migrating raptors (https://maps.app.goo.gl/qHNDuUf3pW7eVDLi8).

The third week of September usually has large numbers of Broad-winged Hawks, up to thousands per day, but migration activity can vary dramatically from day to day and hour to hour. This is a beginner friendly trip. Feel free to join for any part of the day. Bring optics, snacks, water, and sun protection; a portable restroom is available. Rain date will be Sunday, September 20th.

Note that the site is open to the public whenever there are official counters present; you are welcome to go another time if you can’t make this trip, but check the calendar first! There is also great birding along the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway if you’d like to make a day of it.

For questions about location/directions, please see the Hawk Watch website for more detailed information: https://www.rockfishgaphawkwatch.org/directions/. Other questions can be directed to priscilla.erickson@richmondaudubon.org.

RAS trips are open to all. RAS membership is encouraged but not required, and unless the trip specifies otherwise, you don't need to sign up. Please feel free to stay for as long as you want. Attendees do not need to stay for the entire time listed.