Folks,
I will be on the summit of Buffalo Mountain (in Floyd Co) for hawkwatching on
this coming Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. I would encourage someone to be
present on Thursday and Sunday who is proficient with raptor identification and
who would be willing to report the numbers seen to this list. I expect the
weekend will be very productive based on these dates in the past. There are a
few places where you can set up a spotting scope for distant viewing, but due
to high levels of foot traffic I wouldn't recommend venturing far from a scope
or it might well get knocked over.
It is a 1-mile hike up to the summit of the mountain and if it is a clear sky,
the sun will be beating down on you. Sun protection is highly recommended.
There are no amenities anywhere on this Natural Area Preserve, so bring water
and be prepared to have a primitive bathroom experience. I would recommend
bringing something like a stadium seat cushion if you have one to sit on, or
lug a folding chair up the trail with you. The views are excellent from Buffalo
and you have almost a 360 degree view with only a small wedge of northeastern
horizon not visible. There is camping and lodging available nearby, with Rocky
Knob campground about 8-10 miles away on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The town of
Floyd has a hotel and some bed-and-breakfasts. Decent food and drink is
available there as well.
One can get to the preserve a number of ways, depending upon the direction you
are approaching from. I usually come in on Connor Grove Rd off the Blue Ridge
Parkway, just north of Mabry Mill. Take the 2nd left on Connor Grove (which is
immediately after the 1st left turn, which is Phadettia). The next turn is a
left-hand turn onto a gravel road about 3 miles up. Go up to the intersection
at the top of the hill and turn right. The parking lot and trailhead are at the
end of the road. If you happen to own a chain saw and are comfortable using
one, it isn't a bad idea to bring one along as occasionally a tree gets blown
down over the road between the last turn and the parking lot. Doesn't happen
often, but it happened to me last year.
The reward for venturing up to this remote location is above average views of
Broad-winged Hawk kettles. Many kettles form right at the height of the summit
and peel off to the south/southwest. Sure there are kettles forming and birds
moving over at great heights as well, but over half the birds are close enough
to make out silhouettes, unlike with many Blue Ridge Parkway sites. I've also
had great looks at a handful of Merlins, Peregrines, Ospreys, and Bald Eagles
from this site.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me off-list...
Eric HarroldHays, NC
