Image Credit: Redheads by Vance Solseth
Black bellies, green heads, and blue wings - all in one amazing place!
You are invited to sign up for a bird walk in Phinizy Swamp led by Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager. This birding paradise is located in Augusta, Georgia, and holds many species of waterfowl and winter migrants. Blue-winged teal, Canvasbacks, and American wigeon are just some of the birds you will have a chance to see and hear while exploring this unique park. 55 species were seen last year, including King rail, Painted bunting, Wilson's snipe, and Palm warbler.
If you would like to learn more about our winter and resident waterfowl and songbirds, come join Industry Habitat Manager, Jay Keck, in search of these beautiful birds at this nearby hotspot which boasts over 240 bird species on eBird. More birds commonly seen and heard in the park include: White ibis, Common gallinule, Common yellowthroat, and Ring-necked ducks - 70 Ring-necks seen last year!!! Less common birds we may have a chance to see include: Northern harrier, Redhead, and American bittern. We hope to see you there! This class is limited to 12 participants so sign up quickly if you're able to make it!
Image Credit: Buffleheads by Vance Solseth.
Where: Phinizy Swamp Nature Park
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 12 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, and pink and blue bushes are along the trail…
• The rain date for this event is December 15th. We will make every effort to hold this class, 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 $75.00 per person and limited to the first 12 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 pandemic-related guidance from local/state officials. Any cancellation by SCWF will result in a full refund for all registrants.
Image Credit: Hooded Merganser by Zach Steinhauser.