Spectacular Fall Migration
Ridge Junction Overlook

Magnolia Warbler by Alan Lenk

Buncombe & Yancey Counties, NC
September 8, 2021

Chestnut-sided Warbler by Alan Lenk

Register by clicking the ‘book now’ button above, or by contacting the Ventures office. We accept credit cards for an additional fee (2.9% for MC, Visa, Discover; 3.9% for AmEx), but you may also pay by bank transfer, cash, check, or money order. This Venture is limited to 16 participants.

Guide/Leader: Aaron Steed

Meeting Place: We will meet at 6 AM and leave from the Folk Art Center Parking Lot (milepost 382) on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Alternatively you can just meet us at Ridge Junction Overlook. The overlook is at Milepost 355.3, just after the entrance to Mt. Mitchell State Park. Price: $55 Unfortunately, our picnic lunches are not currently included in our day trips (until further notice)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

An easy and relaxing day sitting around and enjoying the fall passage of songbirds at Ridge Junction 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.

Ridge Junction Overlook is one of the best spots in the Blue Ridge to enjoy the fall migration of warblers and other passerines. Over the past few years there have been over 25 species of warblers seen at this spot, including Blackburnian, Magnolia, Mourning, Cerulean, Chestnut-sided, Hooded, Black-and-white, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green…the list is endless. We've even had Kirtland's Warbler here 2 out of the past 3 years, and in 2018 one hung around for about 10 days! Other species include Broad-winged and Sharp-shinned Hawks, Swainson's, Wood, Gray-cheeked, Hermit and even Bicknell's Thrushes, Red-eyed, Blue-headed and Philadelphia Vireos, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager and many more. This is also one of the most reliable spots in the mountains for Red Crossbills. 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.