Carolina Bird Watching
There is no doubt that birds are almost everywhere. Unfortunately it has been my experience that because they are so prevalent they are easily taken for granted. Before I started making a concentrated effort to get out and observe and enjoy nature I probably went years without paying any attention to the birds around me. If the human race is not careful and we let ourselves forget about birds (and other wildlife for that matter) we are in danger of forcing more and more species into extinction. Every time a species goes extinct it effects many other species further down the food chain including the human race. Human development destroys bird habitat every day and forces bird species into decline around the globe. Sometimes we humans come to the rescue of species effected by our habits. The bluebird has made a comeback in North America since a concerted effort was made by support groups to promote the need for humans to provide manmade housing for them (because their natural habitat had been so depleted). Unfortunately, we do not always jump to the rescue in time. Since Colonial times six known North American bird species have become extinct – four of them made the Carolinas region part of their home territory - including the beautiful Carolina Parakeet. Many current bird species of the Carolinas such as the red-cockaded woodpecker are now threatened or endangered. Still others may not be threatened or endangered nationally or worldwide but due to habitat loss in the Carolinas their numbers are decreasing dramatically in this region (one example is the painted bunting).
Fortunately, there are groups that look out for the welfare of birds. The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology sponsors several bird counts annually that help researchers track bird numbers and migratory patterns from year to year so that attempts can be made to save species that experience decline. One of these events is the Great American Backyard Bird Count that takes place this year from February 14 – 17. If you are interested in participating in this wonderful volunteer driven event you can learn more by going to their web site listed in my Travel Tips section below. Tracking the birds is fun and easy and the records can all be entered online.
Finally there are some really great bird watching locations throughout the Carolinas - all of which deserve to have a separate article written on them. I
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