Rich Leppingwell, president of the Henderson County Bird Club
There’s something in the air over at the Highland Lake Inn in Flat Rock. The Henderson County Bird Club will lead bird watching tours on the Inn property, each Thursday morning starting at 8am through September.
The Inn is on 26 scenic acres that surround a peaceful lake, a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of some of Henderson County’s fine feathered friends. Before embarking on the bird tour, guests will gather together and dine on a hearty breakfast at the Inn’s Season’s Restaurant.
“The tours are hosted by Rich Leppingwell, president of the Henderson County Bird Club,” says Kelly Walters, marketing manager for the Highland Lake Inn. “Everybody will do breakfast at Season’s before going out on the tour of our property.”
According to Leppingwell, the property is home to approximately 30 species of birds. Leppingwell, who has been leading the tours for five years now, says he often gets people who aren’t regular birders.
“They may know a sparrow or a dove, but I try to lead them to some places where there will be some birds,” he says. “We go through the woods and down by the lake, and we just talk about birds. We’ve got trees that are full of holes that are used by woodpeckers. It’s just a myriad of whatever comes along.”
Participants should bring their own binoculars, hats, walking shoes, water and bird books.