Day 2 - Friday, May 22, 2026

Birding in Canyon Rim

• Turkey Vulture — almost guaranteed soaring over the gorge and bridge on many days.

• Red-tailed Hawk — commonly circling above the rim and bridge thermals.

• American Crow and Blue Jay — very common around parking areas and forest edge.

• Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, and Carolina Wren — the classic Appalachian forest “background birds.”

• Pileated Woodpecker and Downy Woodpecker — often heard before seen in the woods near the boardwalk/trails.

• Broad-winged Hawk — especially during migration periods.

• Bald Eagle or Osprey — occasional flyovers along the river corridor.

• Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, American Redstart, and other wood-warblers — best in spring migration and early summer.

• Raven — Common Raven has become more regular in the central Appalachians and is a fun “gorge bird” to watch around cliffs and the bridge.