Come be the FIRST to explore SCWF’s beautiful property in Sumter, SC, to look for colorful migratory birds like, scarlet tanagers, American redstarts, yellow-throated vireos, and maybe a Baltimore oriole or two. Jay Keck will be leading this bird-focused tour, but Allison Bugarin, SCWF’s Education and Outreach Manager, will be pointing out any of the amphibians and reptiles at this location, which is rich in biodiversity. The property is bordered by a wetland called Green Swamp, a black water stream and floodplain that has the potential to support prothonotary warblers, various owl species, and many other birds. As always, Jay and Allison will be pointing out the various native plants and any of the critters that may be feasting on, or hiding within them. Please join us on this first-ever class at our very own property! We look forward to seeing you there! 

Image Credit: Searching for Dinner by James Davis featuring a Red-shouldered Hawk.

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).

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.

Allison Bugarin, SCWF’s Education & Outreach Manager. In this role, she manages education and outreach programs, including Palmetto Outdoor Women’s Retreat and the Midlands Master Naturalist program. Allison has been a passionate nature lover since her childhood. She fell in love with birds when she got the chance to monitor red-cockaded woodpeckers on a military base. She earned her Bachelors in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences through Oregon State University. She lives in Eastover, SC, and has enjoyed observing birds throughout South Carolina. Allison has participated in bird monitoring, citizen science projects, and conservation work, and has viewed birds in multiple U.S. states and abroad. Even when she’s hiking, gardening, or exploring, she’s always watching and listening for birds.

Other Important Notes:

• If available, please bring binoculars & your favorite field guide to Eastern birds.

• 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 10 people that register.

IMPORTANT: Participants should be in good physical shape for this paddle.

Featured Image Credit: Downy Woodpecker perched by Cassandra Elkins