Have you ever seen hundreds of beautiful cliff swallows nesting under a bridge? What about red-headed woodpeckers, and possibly prothonotary warblers, nesting in natural cavities along the shores of Lake Murray?  If this sounds exciting to you, please join Jay Keck, as he leads a small group of kayakers along the shores of an undeveloped portion of Lake Murray. Along with birds previously mentioned, hooded warblers, summer tanagers, and other neo-tropical migrants could be seen as you kayak through the tree-lined coves and creeks of the lake. We’ll only be taking 6 participants so sign up quickly to reserve your spot on this special birding adventure.

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. After registration, you will receive an email with directions and any other details pertinent to the class.

When: This paddle is from 7:00 am to 11:00 am.

Instructor: 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 108 bird species in his yard in three years, as well as 187 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.

Other Important Notes:

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

• Participants should bring water & snacks, and be prepared for a morning on the water. Bring a lunch if you would like to eat with us on the ramp afterwards.

• In the event of rain, we will hold this class on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

• After registering, you will receive important correspondence via email. If you change your email between now and then, make sure to notify us.

Cost: $100 per person – includes kayak, paddle, and life jacket.

IMPORTANT: Paddling is not difficult, but some previous experience in a kayak would be helpful.

SCWF reserves the right to cancel any event, due to unforeseen circumstances, extreme weather, low registration, or pandemic-related guidance from local/state officials. Any cancellation by SCWF will result in a full refund for all registrants.

Image credit for banner image: Red-headed woodpecker by Debra Partridge.