Image Credit: Summer Tanager by John Lashley.
Hey bird lovers! This is the last chance to catch a glimpse of those beautiful neo-tropical migrants flying through South Carolina during fall migration. Billions of warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, and buntings will soon be traveling through the US to their wintering grounds in Mexico, and Central and South America. Though we have fantastic wintering birds in SC, the species we will be looking for will be gone until March and April of 2025.
This walk will be led by SCWF staff member, Jay Keck, at Saluda Shoals Park in Lexington County. Saluda Shoals currently holds the record for the most birds identified in the county; 198 species. The rich diversity of native plants at the park, which hosts caterpillars, spiders, and other small invertebrates, feeds most of the bird species we'll be searching for. So, bring your binoculars and your checklist, and let's give these beautiful birds our attention one last time in 2024!
Image Credits: Blue Grosbeak by Gretchen Locy and Prairie Warbler by Gretchen Locy.
Where: Saluda Shoals park in Irmo, SC.
Who: This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16. This training will count for one day toward Palmetto Pro Birder certification (8 days needed total). For SC Master Naturalists, this event can count as Advanced Training and towards your statewide certification. If you are not a Pro Birder or Master Naturalist, just come have fun with us.
This class will be led by Jay Keck, SCWF Industry Habitat Manager. Jay has been a passionate nature and bird lover since his early teens. He lives in Chapin, SC with his wife and two boys, and has identified 95 bird species in his yard in three years, as well as 160 species in Lexington county since moving back in September of 2013. He has viewed birds in Spain, Chile, Honduras, and Costa Rica, as well as many areas in SC from the mountains to the coast. Being inspired by SCWF's mission, he earned his Palmetto Pro Birder certification, and has led bird walks for SCWF as well as Saluda Shoals park, Columbia Audubon, and private organizations. Even when he is golfing, hunting, or fishing, he is secretly birding. At SCWF, Jay coordinates the Wildlife And Industry Together (WAIT) program as well as leading birding classes for the Palmetto Pro Birder & Midlands Master Naturalist programs.
To ensure a quality experience for all, space is strictly limited to 8 participants. Classes fill quickly, register today! After registration, you will receive an email with details pertinent to the class.
Other Important Notes:
• If available, please bring binoculars & your favorite field guide to Eastern birds.
• Restrooms are available, and pink and blue bushes are along the trail…
• The rain date for this event is October 11th.
• After registering, you will receive important correspondence via email. If you change your email between now and then, make sure to notify us.
Cost: The cost is $75.00 per person and limited to the first 8 people that register.
IMPORTANT: Participants should be in good physical shape. Birding involves a lot of standing, and we may cover some distance in our field work.
PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS EVENT UNLESS YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN YOU CAN HANDLE THESE CONDITIONS.
SCWF reserves the right to cancel any event, due to unforeseen circumstances, extreme weather, low registration, or guidance from local/state officials. Any cancellation by SCWF will result in a full refund for all registrants.