The Pacolet Area Conservancy and Walnut Creek Preserve invite the public to an informational presentation, “Birding 101,” Saturday, Sept. 22 at 10:30 a.m. to be held at the Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve.
Jerry Johnson, a local birder with more than 30 years of experience, will give an introduction to birding basics. He will discuss some of the equipment used by birders with a brief review of how to pick the best binoculars that fit your budget; birding references, such as the best books, field guides, and journals to broaden your knowledge and appreciation for birds, and the methods of learning birding identification, especially birding by ear, which is essential to success in birding in the field.
Johnson, who is a resident of Mill Spring, is a member of the Carolina Bird Club (CBC), the Greenville County Bird Club (GCBC), and Audubon. He has led bird walks for Chimney Rock State Park, the CBC and the GCBC. His bird photos have been published in the Chimney Rock State Park’s flyer and in publications of the N.C. Department of Wildlife. “The Chat” also recently published an article and photos by Johnson, recording the second known nesting of common mergansers on the Green River since 1938. Johnson is also the main contributor of data on bird species found at Walnut Creek Preserve.
Time and weather permitting, there will be a bird walk around the grounds of Walnut Creek Preserve after the presentation for those who may be interested; dress appropriately and bring your binoculars. Children and adults are welcome and there is no charge for the event.
To get to Walnut Creek Preserve’s Nature Center from the Tryon and Columbus area, take Hwy. 108 E and turn left on Hwy. 9 toward Lake Lure. Follow Hwy. 9 N for 5 miles and turn right onto McGuinn Road (at the Exxon station). Go 1 mile to the intersection with Big Level Road; turn left, go 2/10ths of a mile and take the first right onto Aden Green Road. Follow Aden Green for 4/10ths of a mile and turn left on Herbarium Lane and into Walnut Creek Preserve. Take the first left onto Conservatory Lane, which takes you to the parking area for the nature center.
For more information or directions from another location, please contact the Pacolet Area Conservancy at 828-859-5060 or e-mail: landprotection@pacolet.org.
– article submitted
by Pam Torlina