The first 2019 Discover Natural Transylvania program at the Transylvania County Library on Thursday, January 3 at 6:30 pm will feature raptors found in Western North Carolina. The speaker will be Mountain Wildlife Biologist Chris Kelly from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Peregrine falcons were once on North Carolina’s threatened and endangered species list but reestablishment efforts were successful to the point that they were removed from the list in 1999. Today the population remains at acceptable levels, although biologists continue to work to boost nest success. Peregrine falcons are often seen in Transylvania County.

Have you ever seen a golden eagle in Transylvania County though? A recent camera trap study revealed that golden eagles are wintering in Western North Carolina in greater numbers than previously thought. In the eastern U.S. they frequent heavily forested areas, often in remote mountains. Come learn about how and where golden eagles have been documented in 16 counties.

Light refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Library who support the Discover Natural Transylvania program series on the first Thursday of most months.