At the Mahogany Rock Hawk Watch migration site, viewers can count thousands of raptors in just one day! This year we will return to Mahogany Rock for the 2026 annual count to hopefully spot raptors "kettling" in the thermal updrafts and making their way south for the winter. The height of activity is between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. BRDC staff will be on site during these times from September 21-24. Anyone is welcome to join! Learn how to identify species by silhouette and flight pattern, and contribute to citizen science while witnessing the wonder of fall migration. Bring a lawn chair, sack lunch, water, and binoculars if you have them.

Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival began in 1997 to connect the public with wildlife and wildland experiences in regional national wildlife refuges. Hosted across six refuges in northeastern North Carolina, the festival features about 60 programs, including birding, paddling, photography, and natural history, making it one of the premier East Coast wildlife festivals. It also supports refuge conservation and education through the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society. Keynote event will be at the historic Pioneer Theater downtown Manteo, North Carolina. Festival runs October 13-18, 2026 with WOW Encore December 4-6, 2026.

The Christmas Bird Count, organized by the Audubon Society, is a North American citizen science survey that runs from December 14th through January 5th each year. Information gathered during these counts helps us to better understand the health and status of bird populations. Each year, Blue Ridge Discovery Center heads up to the New River CBC, centered around Sparta, NC. All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate! This event is free to all and we'll make a full day of it. Additional information will be sent to registered participants prior to the event.