An easy and relaxing day sitting around and enjoying the fall passage of songbirds at Buck Spring Gap Overlook! Bring a chair or something comfortable to sit upon, as well as warm clothing and blankets, as it may be cool first thing in the morning.

The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia into North Carolina, skirts the southern end of the Black Mountains, then weaves through the Craggies, the Pisgahs and the Balsams before ending in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There are several Gaps and overlooks throughout the Southern Blue Ridge which act as natural funnels and corridors for bird migration. Some are well known, like Ridge Junction Overlook and Craggy Gap, but there are undoubtedly many more throughout our Mountains.

Michael and other local birders have been spending mornings up at Buck Spring Gap and have had some great birds. Warblers are common on some days and could include Blackburnian, Magnolia, Mourning, Cerulean, Chestnut-sided, Hooded, Black-and-white, Black-throated Blue, and Black-throated Green…the list is endless. Other species include Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned Hawks, Swainson’s, Wood, Gray-cheeked, and Hermit Thrushes, Red-eyed, Blue-headed and Philadelphia Vireos, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager and many more.

We will enjoy the passage of birds through the gap and also work on the identification of those “confusing fall warblers!” Join us for a relaxing morning enjoying fall migration in the Blue Ridge.