Audubon to Burke birders: Spread your wings in WNC

The lingering destructive effects of Hurricane Helene put a temporary damper on numerous outdoor activities in Burke County, but the birds didn’t get the memo.

Migratory birds are in the midst of their annual journey northward, making Burke and the rest of Western North Carolina a hotspot for birding.

Although some areas are still closed due to damage from Helene, there are still plenty of chances to glimpse our colorful, feathered friends.

Helping out small WNC businesses that suffered from the storm’s fury is a pleasant byproduct of bird-based tourism.

Ed Phillips, Burke’s tourism director, said the annual hawk migration is always a popular choice for birders. The raptors, including red-shouldered, red-tailed, Cooper’s, and broad-winged hawks, can be seen along the Blue Ridge escarpment in western Burke in spring and again in late fall as they travel their north-south route.

The Catawba Greenway is listed among the top spots on the North Carolina Birding Trail but is currently closed due to storm damage.

There are still ample opportunities for birding, however, like Valdese Lakeside Park and sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Linville Gorge that remain open, Phillips said.

In addition, Oak Hill Community Park and Forest is open and alive with bird activity.

Phillips also mentioned the small resident population of bald eagles that live on Lake James near the state park as an option.

Conservation leaders are encouraging birders to hit the field.

“Birders can do their part by doing what we do best, getting outside and enjoying birds,” said Curtis Smalling, executive director of Audubon North Carolina. “Many of the most popular birding destinations remain open and accessible.”

Audubon North Carolina’s Ben Graham listed some especially colorful species that are passing through this time of year.

The scarlet tanager boasts bright red plumage juxtaposed against jet-black wings. The cerulean warbler displays soft blues and grays with a snow-white breast. The golden-winged warbler features dazzling yellow wings and a matching cap.

The long-term effects of the devastating storm have altered the landscape all over Western North Carolina, which means some avian species that rely on certain types of habitats, like old-growth forests, could be negatively affected.

Graham said data collected by birders will help biologists better understand the post-Helene ecosystem.

A comprehensive 2023 survey conducted by Made by Mountains, a cohort of organizations that promote outdoor businesses in WNC, found outdoor recreation generates $4.9 billion of economic output, sustains 48,000 jobs, and produces $197.5 million in regional tax revenue annually.

Birding is an important part of the equation.

Jesse Pope, president and CEO of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, said it’s vital for birders to contribute to local economies.

He added attendance at Grandfather Mountain was down by half in the first quarter of 2025.

“Quite honestly, our community needs people to come back,” Pope said. “Eat in the restaurants, stay in the hotels and the bed and breakfasts. That’s how we bounce back, having that economic support.”