IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL VOLUNTEER COUNTERS:

All volunteer counters are required to complete a refresher course on calculating wind speed/direction, counting techniques, and more before signing up. In addition, a "Basic Refresher on Raptor ID" PowerPoint Presentation on CD is mandated and can be loaned out to each volunteer counter.

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Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch is part of the Thomas Jefferson Loop within the Mountain Phase (MTJ04) of Virginia's Birding and Wildlife Trail. Observation from the overlook parking lot provides a panoramic view of the gap and valley. Currently the official fall migration count is held on the grounds of the Inn at Afton, located on the southern side of Rockfish Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just above where I-64 (exit 99) intersects with the southern end of the Skyline Drive and the northern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, just east of Waynesboro, VA and approximately 22 miles west of Charlottesville, VA.

Data collected is submitted by participating sites to Hawk Migration Association of North America's

and can be viewed by accessing their web site and clicking on “HawkCount”banner above . To see a specific site's count data, click the the monthly or daily summary links.

Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch needs YOU! We are actively recruiting volunteer counters. Introductory workshops are offered at the site. The first hour includes a Power Point presentation; the second hour is devoted to hawk watching and additional hawk identification tips.  Participants will be required to sign up as a co-counter that can involve as little as two full days (four 4-hour blocks), working alongside more experienced hawk watchers. For more information please contact either Brenda Tekin, Vic Laubach, or Gordy Adamski.

The Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch is run by volunteer counters and is supported by three area bird clubs – Augusta, Monticello and Rockingham Bird Clubs, and hosted by The Inn at Afton.