The marker is next to another marker about the same subject. This one is on the left. It can be found at the visitor center parking lot, north side, in the grass, bordering the concrete sidewalk. The interpretive reads:
Hunters of the Sky
Raptor Migration Along the Appalachian Mountains
Bird watchers "flock" to Washington Monument each fall and spring to catch a glimpse of thousands of raptors during their annual migration.
Why do raptors migrate?
As cold weather approaches the area, prey animals become sparse. Raptors need to migrate hundreds or thousands of miles south to find enough food to get them through the winter.
Birds of a Feather Flock Together
usually raptors live alone bus some species migrate to their winter homes in large flocks. It may be that they can find more favorable thermals and updrafts if they travel as a flock.
Following the Ridges
During migration, raptors follow major flyways along geographical features, such as mountain ridges or shorelines of large bodies of water. Located on the South Mountain ridge, Washington Monument is an ideal location to view migrating raptors.
When Should You Look for Raptors?
Windy days with no rain are generally favorable conditions for bird migration. Winds deflect off the mountains, creating updrafts that enable birds to fly with less effort.