KIPTOPEKE, Va. — The Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory’s annual hawk watch is underway at Kiptopeke State Park, drawing wildlife biologists, volunteers and birding enthusiasts eager to witness one of the East Coast’s most impressive raptor migrations.

For nearly three decades, the Observatory has monitored raptors from this strategic point on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

“Since 1995, CVWO has conducted raptor research during fall migration at Kiptopeke State Park,” the organization notes on its website. Over that time, many raptor populations have faced serious declines linked to habitat loss, pesticides and other environmental pressures. CVWO’s findings are shared internationally and contribute to major scientific databases, including Hawkcount.org.

Kiptopeke is a premier hawk-watchi

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