LINVILLE, N.C. – Grandfather Mountain's annual September Hawk Watch recorded its second-lowest tally on record in 2026, with 2,128 raptors observed overhead. The citizen-science project, conducted by staff and volunteers of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, tracks numerous species of birds of prey during their yearly migration south. Experts believe the reduced count is due to a westward shift in raptor migratory routes, rather than a decline in overall populations.
The 2026 total of 2,128 migrating raptors stands significantly below the last 10-year September average of 4,561 spottings. This year's count is the second lowest since the mountain’s first Hawk Watch in 2008; the lowest previously recorded was 1,185 migrants in 2021, while the highest was 10,723 in 2015. Broad-winged hawks continued to be the most-counted species, a consistent trend since the project began. The busiest observation day during September 2026 was the 25th, which saw 1,041 birds recorded, followed by September 20 with 298 sightings. Jesse Pope, president and CEO of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, indicated that the shift in migration routes is likely due to weather patterns. Pope noted that while September conditions were fairly average, a series of storms had "rolled right over the Appalachian Mountains during peak migration week" toward the end of the month, likely influencing the broad-winged hawks, which typically fly through during that period.
Raptors, defined as birds of prey, include species such as hawks, eagles, owls, and vultures, all identifiable by their sharp talons, hooked upper bill, and keen eyesight. While some raptors remain in place through winter, most migrate to warmer climates where food sources are more abundant. Normally dense in Western North Carolina, this year’s raptor migratory routes largely shifted to central Tennessee, moving them out of range from Grandfather Mountain’s counters. Grandfather Mountain serves as a prime location for observing raptor migration, positioned along the eastern escarpment of the Appalachian Mountains. Its rocky peaks naturally generate strong thermal uplifts, offering excellent visibility for observation. The mountain is one of more than 300 designated Hawk Watch sites recognized by the Hawk Migration Association of North America. Staff and volunteers were present on the mountain daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout September, except for September 23 due to inclement weather, contributing a total of 225 observation hours. Spectators viewed the annual migration from locations on Linville Peak and Half Moon Overlook. This year’s observation also included the first recording of a Mississippi Kite at Grandfather Mountain, which entertained observers for almost 30 minutes.
Beyond the spectacle it provides, Hawk Watch serves a crucial scientific purpose by cataloging extensive data over prolonged periods. The annual counts collected at Grandfather Mountain and other sites are vital for tracking hawk populations and their migration routes. This long-term data enables researchers to study birds’ migratory patterns and assess how external factors, such as climate change, might be affecting them. Will Bennett, research coordinator for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, noted that with almost fifteen years of data collection, "we’re starting to see notable trends." Bennett highlighted that eagle populations, for instance, are increasing, with a season record of 97 eagles set last year. Most other raptor species appear to be relatively stable. Bennett emphasized the critical role of continuous monitoring, stating that without sites like Grandfather Mountain counting every year, species could decline without detection. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to inspiring natural world conservation through education, exploration, and example.
