Birdie: By the staff of the Weymouth Woods Nature Preserve, a 898-acre forest in Southern Pines that features one of the few remaining stands of old-growth longleaf pines, for being designated as an Important Bird Area by Audubon North Carolina. With its scores of endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, Weymouth Woods becomes one of the first state parks to receive such a prestigious distinction. Perhaps the folks at Weymouth Woods can make room for one more birdie.

Birdie: By the Union Pines High School football team for its thrilling 40-34 victory over Overhills High last Friday. That was the Vikings' first-ever win in the Cape Fear Valley Conference play. The Vikes, who entered the season riding a 33-game losing streak, are now 3-2. Here's hoping the resurgent Vikings will continue to build on that winning record when they meet Southern Lee in the school's homecoming contest tonight.