We're taking 5 guests to lovely Lake Monticello on October 6th for some fall birding by kayak. This portion of the lake does not allow gas-powered motors so the trip will be quiet, peaceful, and very safe. We'll paddle down long narrow coves in search of birds foraging in the thickets and trees bordering the lake. This trip will take place during the heart of fall migration so the birds, which will include some neo-tropical migrants and resident species, could be bountiful! Please join SCWF's bird guy, Jay Keck, on a fun-filled morning on Lake Monticello! Masks are required while on shore. Safe social distancing will be practiced during class. All equipment and restroom area will be sanitized prior to use.
Price is $60, which includes the kayak and 5 hour guided tour.
Individuals with some kayaking experience are encouraged to join us!
Where: Jenkinsville, SC. Specific meet location will be emailed after you register
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 need a Piedmont component. Lunch will last thirty minutes, so depending on when we finish, this class will count for approximately 4.5 hours of training. 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 Habitat Education 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 Gardening for Wildlife programs and 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 5 participants. Classes fill quickly, register today! After registration, you will receive an email with lodging recommendations, directions, and any other details pertinent to the class.
Other Important Notes:
• If available, please bring binoculars & your favorite field guide to Eastern birds.
• Restrooms are available
• Participants should bring a bag lunch, water and be prepared for a day in the field.
• There is no rain date for this event. We will make every effort to hold it, even in a few rain showers. If it looks like a deluge, we'll notify you of cancellation and refund your money.
• 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 $60.00 per person and includes kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Space is limited to the first 5 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. PLEASE NOTE, WE WILL BE TAKING EVERY POSSIBLE PRECAUTION FOR COVID-19. ADDITIONAL DETAILS INCLUDED IN OUR LIABILITY FORM.
This class is now full! Please fill out the waitlist form if you are interested.