Love for the Birds

by Clay Bolt, photo by Clay Bolt

Okay, so I’m a birdwatcher. Actually, birdfanatic is probably a more suitable label. I’m the guy who causes the car to swerve suddenly because a yellow-bellied so-and-so just flew across the road and the one who has trouble focusing on conversations at times because of a feathery blur that happened to flash past the corner of my eye. Fortunately for me, I am not alone in my pursuit. In fact, there are a multitude of “wing-nuts” just like myself all across our state. Each Autumn, scores of birders flock to their favorite spots, hoping to catch a glimpse of migrating birds on their way to their wintering grounds. South Carolinians are very fortunate to have a wide variety of easily accessible habitats available for lovers of our fine feathered friends. Each of the unique areas of our state – from the mountains to the sea – plays host to numerous species.

UPSTATE REGION
If hawks and eagles are your thing, you should consider making a trip to Caesars Head state park in northern Greenville County in late fall for the annual “hawk watch” held at the park’s overlook. Each year, a dedicated group of individuals gathers to count the migrating groups of vultures, eagles and hawks which are known collectively as “kettles.” Broad Winged Hawks have been seen soaring over the Blue Ridge Escarpment in groups literally numbering in the thousands. Golden and bald eagles, kestrels, red-tailed and sharp shinned hawks are just a few of species you’re likely to also see with some luck. If you explore one of the many trails near the welcome center, you may encounter some exciting migrants whose summer breeding grounds lie in the northernmost regions of North America. These birds, which often rely on insects and fruit to survive, fly south to avoid the intense northern winters. The mountains of S.C. make a perfect place for birds such as warblers and thrushes to stop for some rest and a chance to replenish their strength.

MIDLANDS
The Columbia area is more than just a home to our state capital. It is also home to the Congaree Swamp National Park, which was established in 2003 and is the only national park to be found in South Carolina. Although this area is a birding hot spot year round, in the fall and winter many birds are attracted to its warmer climate and seemingly endless supply of six-legged snacks. November and December are wonderful times to visit the park as the sweltering humidity of summer has subsided and the mosquitoes and biting flies are mostly closed-for-business until the return of spring. Yellow bellied flycatchers, swamp sparrows, wood ducks and glossy ibises can all be seen in and around these dark waters with some luck.

COASTAL, LOWCOUNTRY AND PEE-DEE REGION
The Coastal region of South Carolina is packed with great spots for birdwatching. However, for the beginner there are two great spots that are easily accessible and sure to please regardless of your years in the field.
Huntington State Park located near Murrell’s Inlet (just south of Myrtle Beach) is a fabulous place to look for birds year round. Undoubtedly, the highlight of this park is its spectrum of waterfowl. Large populations of ducks such as hooded mergansers are easily spotted swimming in the freshwater lagoon as you enter the grounds. You might also be fortunate enough to see a tri-colored or black-crowned night heron skulking through the reeds. If you visit the education center keep a close eye on one of the many feeding stations. The incredibly gorgeous painted bunting is a “must-have” addition to any serious birdwatcher’s life-list. Sandpiper Pond is an absolutely amazing spot to visit early in the morning. Pied billed grebes, great blue herons and rails frequent this coastal pond environment.
Moving further south, the National Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler Swamp is a must see for visitors to the South Carolina coast. A stopover at this impressive preserve will redefine your perception of what a swamp environment is like. Ancient bald cypress trees – some of which are estimated to be nearly a thousand years old – stand firm on buttressed roots in this black water paradise. Look closely across the dense canopy of the swamp and there is a good chance that you’ll see several species of wood warblers flitting from branch to branch. One of the most notable is the bird that has been dubbed the “golden bird of the swamp”or commonly, the prothonotary warbler. As in many wetland environments, owls are always on the menu here as well. Great horned and barred owls are residents here and can be often be seen and heard even during the daylight hours.

HIT THE FIELD
So, if you have a pair of binoculars, a good field guide and a sense of adventure why not get out and watch the birds - it is not only a fun hobby but also a great way to explore South Carolina. Chances are you’ll meet not only some new birds but also some great people who are just as passionate about this pursuit as you’ll be. Oh, and if you happen to see a guy crawling through the bushes trying to catch a glimpse of that yellow-bellied-so-and-so, relax, it’s probably just me. SCM

© 2007 South Carolina Magazine. To read more articles in South Carolina Magazine, click here

• •Columbia & Midlands Accommodations
• •Greater Charleston Accommodations
• •Greenville & Upstate Accommodations
• •Hilton Head & Lowcountry Accommodations
• •Myrtle Beach & Grand Strand Accommodations

Her Own Placeby Judy Ausley

Peach Farmer and Published Writer Dori Sanders is No Stranger to Travelers Along South Carolina’s Highway 321 read more

Palmetto Bluff; 20,000 Acres of Lowcountry Luxuryby Mary Ann Hester

Sunrise is the first luxury of the day at Palmetto Bluff read more

Climb Every Mountain (in SC)by Heather Magruder

Sun strains through the trees as their limbs whip past me. Through a muddy puddle from a recent rain and then up the other side of the hill I climb. Fifteen minutes in, I’ve completely left the workday behind; feel as though I’ve left the civilized world as well, pedaling through this forest whose history dates back thousands of years. read more

Love for the Birdsby Clay Bolt, photo by Clay Bolt

Okay, so I’m a birdwatcher. read more