Blue Ridge Heritage is hosting a hawk watch will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve, Floyd.

Raptor migration time means broad-winged hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, Cooper’s hawks, red-tailed hawks (among other potential migrants) might be moving over and past Floyd’s own Buffalo Mountain. In addition, the opportunity to see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, merlins and American kestrels might arise this season.

The Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve is widely recognized as one of Virginia’s greatest natural heritage treasures. It is like no other place in the state. A variety of unusual conditions combine to make the preserve home to 13 plant species, three invertebrate species, and six natural communities that are rare in Virginia.

Although different species of migrating birds-of-prey likely will pass along this point throughout the fall, the largest concentrations will be broad-winged hawk flights that will occur in middle through late September. Each species has its own window during the fall migration, and not all species are likely to be seen at the same times.

Blue Ridge Heritage volunteers invite anyone interested to join the group at the summit of Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve. Weather-permitting, at least one professional naturalist will be present from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to help with sighting and identifying migrating raptors.

Participants should bring binoculars, sun-screen, eye-drops, a lawn chair or cushion, water, lunch or a snack, and a bird ID field guide. Wear comfortable footwear suitable for traversing uneven terrain and bring a variety of clothing as weather conditions are subject to change during this time of year.

Blue Ridge Heritage works to promote education and economic development through place based programs related to the natural and cultural heritage of the Blue Ridge in Southwestern Virginia’s Bi-County area of Floyd and Patrick counties.

For more information, visit www.brheritage.org.