This tour aims to catch one of these ‘waves’ and we’ll be focusing our efforts at two of the region’s most renowned migration hotspots. First - there’s Ridge Junction, a mountain gap located just below the spruce-fir slopes of Mount Mitchell, the tallest mountain in the eastern US. Migrating birds following the ridgelines converge here and are concentrated as they fly through the gap. Here we hope to see a stellar sunrise plus hordes of Tennessee, Cape May, Blackburnian, Black-throated Green and Black-throated Blue and other warblers, plus Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Scarlet Tanager, and Swainson’s Thrush. In addition to the migrants, we may also see some of the high-elevation residents such as Red Crossbill, Common Raven, or Red-breasted Nuthatch. Second - there’s Jackson Park, a 220-acre park that may just be the best spot for migrating fall warblers in the entire state. Featuring easy trails through its wetlands and woodlands, it has boasted one day totals of warblers in the mid 20’s, with Connecticut, Wilson’s, & Nashville Warblers all being possible. A multitude of other good birds have turned up here through the years from Olive-sided Flycatcher to Limpkin, and it may have a few surprises in store for us!