Bird lovers, bird watchers, and anybody who loves animals and nature in general will enjoy the latest destination for the Ingles Open Road. Carolina Avian Research and Education in Fletcher, N.C., is a bird sanctuary where you can learn about and experience our fine feathered friends from people who really care.
Carolina Avian Research and Education – or, CARE for short – was founded by Leean Shearouse, whose talents and passions include horticulture in addition to providing sanctuary to these amazing birds.
At CARE, you’ll find birds from every continent except Antarctica. They are all stunningly beautiful, and while the saying goes that birds of a feather flock together, this global mish-mash of winged beauties all get along just fine. That’s one of the real lessons guests can take away from CARE. These birds natively hail from areas thousands of miles away from each other in tons of different countries, but they coexist at this lovely sanctuary.
The lessons continue with classes that include a general tour of the operation and specific deep dives into species that might strike your curiosity.
There are the beautiful tropical birds, incredible waterfowl, and even chickens. Then there are the raptors, including the smallest falcon in the United States.
The beauty of creation is on full display here. Bright colors, unique birdsongs, and playful behavior are all complemented by the beautiful campus itself. It’s gorgeous here – probably what you’d expect when the founder was awarded a prestigious medal from the Royal Horticultural Society in London.
You can take gardening classes here too – a perfect weekend activity as we roll into some beautiful spring weather.
So, whether you come for the birds, the flowers, the classes, or a little bit of everything, know that your reasonable price for admission and lessons goes a long way to helping CARE’s amazing inhabitants.
Plan your visit online at CAREBird.org, and fly over to Fletcher for a day to remember. Your weekend is waiting on the Ingles Open Road.
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