Hawk Watch Popup

Join us for a celebration of birds of prey, fall migration and the changing seasons during our Hawk Watch Popup event!

Discover the fascinating world of raptors and learn more about the important role these birds play in our ecosystems. Throughout the event, visitors can take part in a variety of engaging activities focused on bird conservation, raptor identification and migration. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn how to properly use binoculars, why scientists track seasonal changes and how researchers study the incredible journey of migrating birds. This event is included with admission to the park. All activities will be located at the top of the mountain, near the bridge and the Top Shop.

Grandfather Mountain is proud to support the mission of the Hawk Migration Association of North America, which works to advance scientific knowledge of raptor populations and migration, promote raptor conservation and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to study and celebrate the wonder of raptor migration.

Whether you’re an avid birder or simply curious about the wildlife passing overhead this fall, come celebrate the remarkable story of raptor migration!

Learn more about Hawk Watch at Grandfather Mountain. 

Hawk Watch Popup Schedule  

11 a.m. – while supplies lasts | Bird Friendly Coffee: enjoy bird-friendly coffee and learn about how coffee impacts birds and their habitats. (Located at the outdoor staircase to the Mile High Swinging Bridge)

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Jr. Hawk Watch: learn about hawks and other raptors with High Country Wild. This program is geared toward children age 5-12, though all ages are welcome. Learn about the common species that migrate past Grandfather Mountain and how to identify them. (Located next to the Mile High Swinging Bridge) 

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Tables by Grandfather Mountain Trails: themed tables can be found at various locations across the mountain. (Located around the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery and at Yonni’s Clubhouse)

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Birding & Binoculars 101: an intro to birding and how to utilize binoculars. Geared toward teens and adults, though all ages are welcome! (Located next to the Mile High Swinging Bridge) 

1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Hawk Watch Peaks and Profiles: join Grandfather’s educators to learn more about the mountain’s unique weather, climate, flora and fauna. This particular Peaks and Profiles event will be Hawk Watch themed. (Located next to the Mile High Swinging Bridge) 

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Phenology and Seasonality Activity: learn more about phenology (the study of the timing of natural events) with a Grandfather Mountain educator. Why do we care about when birds migrate or when fall color begins each year? Educators will discuss different methods of documenting these changes, including nature journaling. (Located at the top of the outdoor steps of the Mile High Swinging Bridge) 

In the event of inclement weather, all events will be moved to the 2nd floor of the Top Shop.