Snickers Gap Hawk Watch - Bluemont, Virginia - Birdwatching Locations on Waymarking.com

Located in a parking lot along the eastbound side of Route 7, even on the busiest hiking days along the Appalachian Trail, there is reserved parking for bird watchers. Bring a chair and enjoy the hawks and other birds migrating along the Appalachian Mountains.

"Snicker’s Gap provides year-round access to ridge-top deciduous forest and is a good stopping place to look for woodland birds such as pileated and red-bellied woodpeckers, cedar waxwing, and the occasional ruffed grouse or wild turkey. The abundant wildflowers around the parking area attract a number of butterflies including eastern tiger and spicebush swallowtails as well as a variety of skippers, sulphurs and whites.

Snicker’s Gap is at its best from September 14 – 21 when thousands of migrating birds of prey stream past overhead. The area was established as a hawk-watching site in 1990 and counts have taken place every fall since. The most widespread species seen is the broad-winged hawk, which, pending on the weather, may occur in the 1000s or 10,000s. Other species frequenting the lookout include red-tailed, sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks, northern harrier , osprey, bald eagle, American kestrel, merlin, and peregrine falcon. Each fall supports the opportunity to spy a few true rarities, especially later in the season. Golden eagle and northern goshawk have appeared annually, but rough-legged and Swainsons hawks are more particular about gracing birders with their presence.

Numerous other species use the ridge top as a migration corridor, including migrant passerines such as warblers, vireos, thrushes and tanagers and, occasionally, migrant waterfowl. Monarch butterflies and dragonflies also migrate along the ridge, providing food for the migrating American kestrels and broad-winged hawks." - Virginia DWR

Park Name: Snickers Gap Sponsoring Organization: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Handicap Accessible?: Yes Website: [Web Link] Entrance Fee: 0.00 (listed in local currency) List any Hides, Birding Towers, or other structures to assist in Birdwatching found at the location: Not listed Parking Coordinates: Not Listed

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