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

Each autumn, thousands of hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures soar south along ancient migration routes, creating one of nature’s most spectacular seasonal events. Discover why these incredible birds migrate, how they navigate such long journeys, and what makes certain weather conditions perfect for a “hawk flight.”

We’ll also explore the annual hawk watch at Sassafras Mountain in Pickens County, South Carolina’s highest peak, where dedicated volunteers collect migration data each day for the Hawk Migration Association throughout the three-month season beginning just after Labor Day. On the best migration days, visitors may witness thousands of raptors passing overhead—a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.

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.