Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch is one of over 200 hawk watches in North America monitored by the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA). Our primary mission is to collect raptor count and species data during fall migration in a repetitive and consistent fashion.
Our hawk watch is conducted each fall on the grounds of the Inn at Afton (elevation 2,000 ft), just off Interstate 64, exit 99 just east of Waynesboro, VA. Our site is easily accessible, and one can literally drive up, park and hawk watch. We have a 180 degree panoramic view north over Rockfish Gap, west over the Shenandoah Valley, and east over the Piedmont Region.
See results of our 2023 RAPTORTHON!
A small group of volunteers conduct our count from August 15 to November 30. We have 15 raptor species that migrate through our area (some common and some rare). Although most fly well above eye-level, many do come in close for good photo opportunities! Peak migration occurs in the final two weeks of September, and during this time we can get 50-100 visitors on the weekend who come to view up to 10,000 hawks in a single day.
Our raptor migration data is submitted to HMANA’s HawkCount database, which can be viewed here:
The Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch is supported by three nearby bird clubs: Augusta Bird Club, Piedmont Virginia Bird Club and Rockingham Bird Club. Additional sponsorship by Vortex Optics. We also thank Springdale Water Gardens for their continued support! Springdale offers a very fun destination that provides everything you need for your water garden.
