As the cold weather picks up and winter birds are here for the season, many local birders plan fewer outings - understandable of course, as once migration winds down, there are fewer birds to be seen. Though most of the warblers and other summer residents will have long departed, February has offered much in the way of surprises, and the birding can, at times, be spectacular. Late winter has produced some incredible sightings for our area, and over the last few years alone local birders have stumbled upon such rarities as Ross’s and Cackling Geese, Loggerhead Shrike, LeConte’s Sparrow, Brewer’s Blackbird, Snow Bunting, and Rufous Hummingbird and even Snowy Owl and Magnificent Frigatebird.

This trip will focus on finding any and all birds of interest that might be around. Our exact itinerary will depend on what’s being seen and where, but we will likely be visiting sites in Transylvania and Haywood Counties, focusing our efforts on those hotspots where many of the goodies have shown up in recent years. Even if luck is not on our side with the rarities, we should be able to find a good enough selection of sparrows, raptors, and ducks during the day to keep us entertained.

Our itinerary is unknown, as are the birds that will be around – but that’s just part of the fun!

Our itinerary is up in the air, as are the birds that will be around – but that’s just part of the fun! Even if we don’t have luck with the kites and other rarities, it will be a fun day out in WNC!