When: February 13, 2026 @ 10:00 am
Let’s get birdy! This walk is part of the Great Backyard Bird Count initiative, a global community science project that helps researchers understand how birds are doing before they undertake their great spring migration. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a scientist to attend! Though we will be collecting data to contribute to the Great Backyard Bird Count, our focus will be on strengthening our identification skills by discussing the birds we hear and see. This is a great opportunity for beginner birders to practice their skills before the neo-tropical migratory birds return, to look for our overwintering migratory waterfowl such as loons and gulls, and a chance for seasoned birders to brush off the cobwebs before warbler season. This event is open to birders of all skill levels, from total newbies to total nerds.
This event is free and open to the public, including beginners, families, and folks with mobility concerns. Registration is not required, but is recommended to receive an event reminder and weather-related communications. We will meet at the Clay County Recreation Parking Lot (333 Ball Park Dr, Hayesville, NC 28904) just before 10:00am on Friday, Feb 13th, and return to our cars around noon. The walk will be over mostly flat grassy terrain with less than 50 ft of elevation gain. Total distance covered during this event will be 2 miles or less. Please wear weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a water bottle as well as any additional tools you may want (such as binoculars, field guides, etc.) We will have extra binoculars for those without their own. Those who participate in the Count on their own time before or after the walk are eligible to receive a free embroidered bird patch!
This event is weather-dependent. In the event of any scheduling changes, this posting and our social media will be updated, and any registered participants will be emailed. Please leave pets at home. Email Alina with any questions.
We encourage interested parties visit the Great Backyard Bird Count website to learn how you can become a community scientist on your own time and contribute your data to this global count.
