Who is wintering in these woods? That’s the question the Highlands Nature Center is asking as they take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, and you can join in too!

Birding Bingo guide courtesy of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust that makes identifying birds throughout the Plateau easy.
This global event, now in its 26th year, invites people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting birds – as many birds as you can find.
Reporting these observations helps scientists better understand how birds across the world are doing.
WHO: The Highlands Nature Center
WHAT: 26th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count
WHERE: The Highlands Biological Station’s North Campus (111 Lower Lake Rd)
WHEN: February 17-18
COST: Free
The Nature Center will kick off the event with “Early Bird Strolls” on Friday and Saturday, February 17-18, from 9-10 a.m. Birders of all skill levels can meet at the North Campus of the Highlands Biological Station (111 Lower Lake Road) for an introduction to the Great Backyard Bird Count before taking a walk around campus to find our feathered friends. Binoculars will be provided.
The Nature Center will wrap up their Great Backyard Bird Count celebration with “Bird’s the Word!” – a family-friendly event on Saturday, February 18th from 3 to 5 PM. Borrow child-sized binoculars to spot birds around Lindenwood Lake, go on a scavenger hunt in the Botanical Garden, and learn how scientists need our help to count the birds in our backyards.
These programs are free, and made possible by the Highlands Biological Foundation. No registration necessary.
Read more about birding on the Plateau HERE.
For more information, click HERE.
The Highlands Nature Center and Highlands Botanical Garden are part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University.