Each year, local hawk-watching enthusiasts celebrate the return of hawks as they make their way south for the winter, and this year is no exception.

Throughout this month, members of the Caldwell County Chapter of the Foothills Bird Club have turned their eyes toward the skies over Parkway Bank to see hundreds of hawks make their way through the area.

Bob Holland, club member, said Lenoir is a prime flying spot for the birds as they ride the wave of air that flows through the Blue Ridge and Brushy mountains. He also said that September is the prime migration time for the hawks.

"Hawks like to travel using the least amount of energy as possible, so they ride that wave much like a surfer rides a wave in the water,' Holland said. "We found that the site at Parkway Bank is a central location to see the hawks because while we can see them nice and clear, they also have a clear view of the Yadkin River, which is a natural resource to the hawks."

Although the migration season hasn't been as busy this year as in year's past, Holland and his fellow club members still are seeing some amazing animals. Holland said he saw 89 broad-wing hawks fly along Lower Creek Tuesday, as well as approximately six Ospreys, which are seen primarily on the coast, and a few falcons.

"We don't really see a lot of birds until mid-September, and the rainy weather has been pretty terrible," Holland said. "Because the birds rely on the sun to fly and they don't fly at night, we haven't been able to see as many this year."

Despite the decreased number of sightings, L.T. Holder said he enjoys spending his days watching the birds.

"It really is interesting," said Holder, who spent Wednesday logging his sightings. "I am fairly new at this but have really learned a lot. It's pretty amazing to see a large group of hawks fly by at one time, but I also enjoy seeing all of the other birds as well."

Reclined in his lawn chair under a shaded tent with his binoculars in hand, Holder said he spent the entire day at the Wilkesboro Boulevard site. He said he never knows when a group of hawks will come across the horizon so he always keeps one eye on the sky while studying pictures of hawks with the other.

From red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks to broad-winged and cooper hawks, Holder said he saw a variety of hawks. In fact, he said he saw at least 13 fly by within 20 minutes of each other Wednesday morning.

"Most of the hawks I saw flew from northeast to southwest rather quickly," Holder said. "Others circled around the area for a few moments before taking off. It's been quite a sight to see today because it is the fastest I have ever seen them move across the area."

Holland said club members spend the entire month collecting data, which is shared with other hawk-watching sites across the eastern coastline. He said the goal is not only to enjoy the mystery of the hawks, but also to study their habits and migration to help them live better. Holland said he also hopes to educate today's youth about bird watching so it doesn't become a lost art.

"We try to help scientists and other naturalists help save hawks by including our data on a central Web site," Holland said. "We try to study their lives and biology so they can survive better. We also want to educate people about hawks so they, too, can enjoy watching them."

Club members will continue to gather atop the hill at Parkway Bank through the end of September.