John Cely, a well-known bird specialist in the area, will lead a guided walk at Pearson’s Falls at 9 a.m. Thursday.

This walk is sponsored by the Tryon Garden Club. 

It is necessary to preregister. Attendees should plan to be at the falls by 8:45 a.m. and should bring binoculars with them.

Cely, a native of South Carolina, worked as a wildlife biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, where he specialized in bird studies and surveys for various species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker and the swallow-tailed kite.

He is author of “COWASEE Basin, The Green Heart of South Carolina” and recently finished a book, “Congaree National Park,” for Arcadia Press.

Cely is excited to observe the birds at Pearson’s Falls, he said.

“October is fall migration month for all those neotropical migrants we only see passing through [twice] a year, in spring and fall — many warblers, vireos, thrushes, flycatchers and others; it’s also the month when some of our winter visitors start showing up, such as yellow-bellied sapsucker, both species of kinglets, winter wren, junco and others; so, at this time of year, we should be seeing some of both, as well as the permanent, year-round residents.”

The guided walk is open to the public but limited to 20 people, so that everyone can see and hear — and silence on the part of the group will be important.

For information and to register, those interested may contact the gatekeeper at Pearson’s Falls at 828-749-3031.

There is an admission fee to Pearson’s Falls and a charge for this guided walk. All proceeds go to trail maintenance.

Pearson’s Falls is located at 2748 Pearson’s Falls Road, Saluda. Travelers can follow the signs on Highway 176 north from Tryon or south from Saluda.

– Submitted by Lucy Brannon