Although most of the fall color is gone from the trees, there is still a lot to discover out on the nature trails this time of year.  In fact, this time of year is great for bird watching!  Since most of the leaves are gone, you will be able to spot our feathered friends much more easily.  Don’t know what to look for? Read the latest Trail Journal for photos and information about birds like the Northern Cardinal, Red-bellied Woodpecker, and others you will likely see in the Lake Keowee and Upstate, South Carolina areas.

This year, The Reserve’s Community Foundation is making its bird sightings count by participating in “The Great Backyard Bird Count,” led by the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event, February 17-20, which encourages bird watchers of all ages to help survey the birds in their area by identifying and counting them. Bird enthusiasts all across North America will submit their sightings to help create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds!

» Learn more about The Great Backyard Bird Count.
» Post photos of your bird sightings on our Facebook page.