Thursday, October 2 was an incredible day on the water for our Palmetto Pro Birder Paddle, led by our Industry Habitat Manager and resident bird guru, Jay Keck. From the first push off the bank to the final call through the trees, the day was a reminder of how good it feels to slow down and enjoy nature with others.

We tallied 37 bird species, including favorites like the wood duck, red-headed woodpecker, black-throated green warbler, and a clapper rail.

We also heard a few species that stayed hidden in the trees, such as pileated woodpeckers and downy woodpeckers. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this fun and rewarding day in the field.

This paddle is part of our Palmetto ProBirder Program, which is at the heart of what we do at the South Carolina Wildlife Federation. By combining outdoor adventure, connection with others, and hands-on learning, we hope to inspire more people to become advocates for healthy wildlife habitats. Each time someone logs a bird sighting, plants a native plant, or supports conservation through a Duck Stamp or donation, it adds up to real and lasting change for the landscapes and species we love. We hope to see you on the next one! Until then, happy birding!