All records for this small falcon are from the fall migration at high elevation sites. This species is probably a rare but regular fall migrant across the park, at least in the autumn.

Clingman's Dome, September 23, 1940 , and October 4, 1998 ; Cliff Tops August 7, 1945 ; and Purchase Knob, late September 2002. On September 15, 2004 a Merlin was observed being chased by a Sharp-shinned Hawk over Purchase Knob (J. Mays, pers com.).

References:

Gough, G. A., Sauer, J. R., Iliff, M. Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter. 1998. Version 97.1. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD.