On Thursday, Feb. 16 at 9 a.m., Simon Thompson, local ornithologist, will lead a leisurely two hour walk on the FENCE property. This guided walk is free and open to the community. FENCE welcomes everyone from first time birders to advanced birders to join Simon for his walk!

Red-tailed hawks hang above the nearby woodlands and flocks of wintering sparrows feed in the adjacent brushy edges. White-throated song and field sparrows are the most common, while smaller numbers of white-crowned and Savannah sparrows come down for the winter. On this walk you could also see most, if not all, of the expected southeastern woodpeckers.

This event is made possible by the Kirby Endowment at the Polk County Community Foundation. FENCE is located at 3381 Hunting Country Road in Tryon. For more information about this or upcoming events visit fence.org or call 828-859-9021.

Article submitted by Amy Schmitte