Posted in South Carolina Nature November 23, 2020 by

Every Day, More Than 6,000 Raptors Are Flying Over This One Spot In South Carolina Through December

The skies over South Carolina are quite busy in the fall and in the spring as many species of birds and butterflies migrate from north to south and then back again each year. Most of them tend to take the same route year after year, developing a pattern we humans can rely upon in order to admire the flurry of activity during the migration periods.

If there's one place in South Carolina that's always aflutter with winged creatures, it's Caesars Head State Park.
Google Maps/Pete Pantsari
The park and its amazing overlooks are situated on the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and at the Blue Ridge Escarpment (the sharply falling edge of the mountain range).
The dramatic shift in the terrain at Caesars Head creates astounding thermals of rising bubbles of warm air.
Google Maps/Jan Riggs
The thermals at Ceasars Head create a natural lift for migratory birds that helps them conserve energy and so they are naturally drawn to the area during migration.
From August through November (and sometimes into December, depending on weather conditions from year to year), more than 6,000 raptors per day can be viewed flying through the area en route to their wintering grounds.
Wikipedia/Gary L. Clark
Raptors like the Common Nighthawk seen above and the Broad-shouldered Hawk seen here are among those that fill the skies and give birdwatchers a thrill each autumn at Caesars Head State Park.
Wikimedia Commons/Stephen Rahn from Macon, GA, USA
Visitors hike the short distance from the visitor center to the observation deck on the overlook and have a front row seat for all of the action.
Google Maps/Nate McMurphy
If you've never seen a Broad Winged Hawk in flight, you're in for a treat.
Carol Hamilton / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
When the birds are soaring into the thermals here they'll begin to take on a tornado-like formation and they'll keep climbing until they've reached the top of the thermal lift.
Artush / iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
At the top, they'll break out one-by-one and start taking nose dives with wings outstretched just like this one.
If you go to do a little raptor watching, be sure to carve out enough time to explore the trails at Caesar's Head State Park.
Google Maps/Yevgen Kostrubin
You won't find another trail in South Carolina quite like the Devil's Kitchen!

Are you a bird watcher and have you been to Caesars Head State Park in the fall to witness the raptor migration? We’d love to hear about it and see your photos in our comments! Caesars Head State Park is open year-round. Hours vary by season. View hours and trail access fees on the official website here.

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Address: Caesars Head State Park Visitor Center, 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA