Broad-winged Hawk. Photo by leppyone is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Date: August 18, 2026

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Landrum Library

Speaker: Ed Moorer, Hawk Watch

We will take a look at  what  why,  and how migrating raptors fly south during the autumn months.  Sassafras Mountain in Pickens County is one of the observational sites used to send data to Hawk Migration Association on a daily basis for the three month season  that begins just after Labor Day. Thousands of hawks could possibly be seen in one day at our state’s highest point.

Ed Moorer began the Sassafras Mountain Hawk Watch in 2015 and is currently the site coordinator. He began his career as a school teacher for 30 years and then worked at Table Rock State Park enjoying teaching for the Discover Carolina program and in the nature center.  He has volunteered with S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources as a Hunter Education Instructor and now participates  in the Conservation Education division. Ed has been counting raptors for 25 years learning from experts at Caesars Head overlook and then moving over to Sassafras Mountain.  One of his goals now is to recruit younger observers to learn and carry-on this endeavor.

The Landrum Library Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to our partnership with the Spartanburg County Public Libraries.

Contact Pam Torlina, pam@conservingcarolina.org, with questions or for more information.