Birds, Binoculars & Benson: A Walk on the Wild (But Chill) Side
Spot local birds, log your finds, and maybe make a feathered friend!
Shannon
February 15, 2025
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Ever wondered who’s hanging out in Raleigh’s trees this time of year? Join the Great Backyard Bird Count Walk at Lake Benson Park on February 17, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, and find out! Learn how to identify winter birds, log your sightings for science, and enjoy a peaceful morning outdoors—all for free. No experience needed, just a keen eye and a little patience. Sign up by February 16 at 3:00 pm!
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Nope, not sponsored. We just think all birds deserve their moment. (Just so you know: Sponsored content in our newsletter is always marked with “*”).
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The 919 Deal Drop:
Limited-Time Offer! 👓 Big Savings at LensCrafters 🔥
Buy a complete pair (frame + lenses) or an annual supply of contacts, and get 50% off an additional complete pair—discount applies to lenses! The second pair must be of equal or lesser value.
📍Where: LensCrafters
📅 When: Until February 17, 2025
Have a phenomenal deal you'd like to share with 10,000+ people in the Triangle? Email [email protected]. It’s FREE to share a deal, but it has to be something really useful to our community.
Raleigh Real Estate:
🏡 FOR SALE UNDER $400K: 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 1,844 SQ FT | 0.29 ACRES | $365,000
This charming, move-in-ready ranch in South Raleigh’s desirable Chastain neighborhood features an open split-bedroom layout, vaulted ceilings, wood floors, a stylish kitchen, and a spacious backyard—just minutes from downtown. Take a look here →
🏠 FOR SALE OVER $400K: 4 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHROOMS | 2,522 SQ FT | 0.76 ACRES | $662,500
This beautifully renovated split-level home blends modern elegance with classic charm, featuring an open living space, a stylish kitchen, a luxurious primary suite, multiple outdoor areas, and a prime Raleigh location on a spacious .76-acre lot. Take a look here →
Raleigh Overtime:
🍴 FOODIE FIND: STIR’s LOBSTER & SHRIMP WHITE CHEDDAR MAC & CHEESE is a rich and creamy dish featuring cavatappi pasta, succulent seafood, a velvety white cheddar sauce, a hint of lemon oil, and fresh microgreens for a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food.
🐾 FOR ADOPTION: FLURRY | DOG | 1 YR | FEMALE
Flurry is a playful and affectionate pup with boundless energy, a love for games, and a cuddly side, making her a great fit for an active home or a dog sibling. Check her out here →
🛍️ GARAGE SALE: Head over to BAHAMA RD on FEB 15 and FEB 16 at 9AM for a wide variety of items, including ladders, fireplaces, mirrors, kitchenware, workout gear, and more—everything $20 or less! More details here →
Local Vocals:
🎸 This Week: LENORE RAPHAEL
Featuring internationally acclaimed Steinway Artist and Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Lenore Raphael, along with renowned musicians from around the world, in a celebration of top-tier jazz. | Jazz | Halle Cultural Arts Center | Feb 16, 2:30pm | $11-$17 | Get tickets here!
🎤 Plan Ahead: Ghost
Ghost is a Swedish rock band known for its theatrical stage presence, occult-themed imagery, and a blend of heavy metal, hard rock, and pop influences, led by the enigmatic Tobias Forge as Papa Emeritus. | Heavy Metal | Lenovo Center | July 15, 8pm | Get tickets here!
Raleigh Reads:
🍳 All-Time Favorite Recipes from North Carolina Cooks is packed with 161 recipes, covering hearty casseroles, mouthwatering desserts, and NC trivia.*
🥾 Best Hikes Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill features 40 family-friendly hikes within an hour of the Triangle, including hidden trails.*
🚗 North Carolina Day Trips includes 170 must-visit destinations, organized by theme.*
💦 North Carolina Waterfalls reveals hundreds of must-see waterfalls, plus hiking directions and beauty ratings.*
🔍 Raleigh's Great Scavenger Hunt Adventure uncovers 50 must-see spots and hidden gems.*
🏆 Finally, this one has nothing to do with Raleigh (it’s about happiness) but it’s currently #1 on Amazon, so we thought you’d like to check it out.*
Raleigh Grocery Deals (and Restock Reminders):
🧻 Restock reminder: Use these links to get great deals on paper towels, toilet paper, batteries, trash bags, dishwasher pods, tissues, laundry detergent, and flossers. You never want to run out of essentials.*
✨ Splurge: Nothing has saved us more money in the long run than a garage freezer. We stock up at the Wake Forest Road Trader Joe’s and load the freezer up. Get a garage freezer here.*
🛒 Harris Teeter savings: Ovengold Turkey Breast, $9.99 per pound.
🦁 Food Lion savings: 3oz Cold Water Lobster Tale for $4.99 each! What a steal!
Oak City Job Openings:
🤝 LOCAL JOB: TWO ROOSTERS ICE CREAM is seeking an ICE CREAM SCOOPER.
Responsible for providing exceptional customer service by greeting guests, scooping ice cream, preparing shakes, and representing Two Roosters Ice Cream at shops and select Durham Bulls games. More details here →
💼 LOCAL JOB: REGAL CINEMAS is seeking a TEAM MEMBER.
Responsible for providing exceptional guest service by operating the box office, concession stand, or ushering, while ensuring compliance with company policies, maintaining cleanliness, and handling emergency situations as needed. More details here →
✏️ ProofreadingServices.com – Get a crystal clear resume and stand out in the job market.
📢 Are you looking to hire? Email [email protected] and we’ll send your job out to the community.
The Hookup:
📖 Grandkids.com – Preserve cherished memories by turning your parent’s or grandparent’s life story into a beautifully written book.
🛠️ HomeRemodeling.com – Compare bids from top remodelers and get the best quality, service, and price for your home project.
🥃 This beautiful Raleigh glass is etched with a map of downtown. Drink your Cheerwine with pride*
🗺️ Travel back to 1872 with this vintage Raleigh map reproduction.*
🕯️ This North Carolina-scented candle (yes, you read that right) claims to smell like our great state. You tell us.*
Raleigh Hidden Gem:
Wine Authorities has a wine vending machine (almost like a soda fountain) where you can sample amazing wines with just a swipe of a card. Pick your pour, sip at your own pace, and discover hidden gems. It’s a low-key way to find your next favorite bottle!
— William, a Raleigh.com reader
Have a Raleigh tip or hidden gem? Email [email protected] and we might feature it.
Love Free Stuff?
Get a free Raleigh.com tote bag! Just visit Carroll’s Kitchen in downtown Raleigh, purchase anything, and they’ll hand you a free Raleigh.com tote bag. Plus, you’ll be supporting a great cause—Carroll’s Kitchen serves up delicious meals while providing jobs for women overcoming adversity. Mon-Fri, 8AM-2PM.
Want to Promote Your Business, Event, or Something Else?
We offer a ton of ways to connect with people all over the Triangle. See this page for more information or email us to craft a plan that’s sweeter than Videri chocolate. (Reminder: For the time being, promoting a deal in the 919 Deal Drop section above is free. It just has to be a great deal for Triangle locals.)