Keep South Carolina Wild

Category: Birding

23rd Annual Wildlife Photography Contest

Calling all amateur photographers!

South Carolina Wildlife Federation is sponsoring our 23rd Annual Wildlife Photography Contest. Send us your best photographs that capture the natural beauty of South Carolina’s wildlife and their habitats – in your own backyard or anywhere in the state. You can check out the blog about last year’s contest here.

CONTEST CATEGORIES:

Carolina Critters

This category is intended for photos of wildlife that you see in South Carolina, whether it is in your backyard, on a hike, or in an urban setting! Have you captured the moment when a painted bunting comes to your feeder? Did you photograph a bird sifting through the Upstate snow to find its meal? How about the shy deer venturing out in the Pee Dee field to graze? Or that great blue heron wading through the swamps of the Lowcountry? These types of photos that are perfect for this category.

Image Credit: “Looking for Home” By Jennifer Brown.
Image Credit: “Peekaboo” by Stephanie Radford
Image Credit: “Relaxation” by Elaine Mathis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: We do not accept photos of exotic (non-native), captive, or domestic animals since this category is intended to show SC wildlife in their natural settings rather than in a zoo or wildlife sanctuary.

Scenes of South Carolina

From the mountains to midlands to the coast, we know that South Carolina’s landscapes are beautiful and ecologically diverse. Whether you enjoy photographing sunsets on the ocean, sunrises in the mountains, rocks in a stream, or early morning dew in a field, we love seeing all the many ways your photographs depict the beauty of our state.

Image Credit: “Salt Serenity” by Stuart Barfield.
Image Credit: “Red Knot Sunset Arrival” by Jenn Clementoni.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Credit: “Mission Lake” by Bradley Wicker.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: These photos may include wildlife but it’s not necessary.

People in Nature

We know that you love being outdoors as much as we do!  That is why we added this category to the photo contest. This category is intended for you to share your photos of people enjoying outdoor activities in our beautiful state. Whether you are an angler, birder, hiker, hunter, kayaker, rock climber, shell collector, or enjoy some other outdoor activity, this is your chance to submit photos of people enjoying outdoor activities.

Image Caption: “A River Runs Through It by Kenny Himes.”
Image Caption: “I Spy Bird Bands” by Reggie Fairchild.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Credit: “Catch n’ Release” by Lyric Littlejohn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Be sure your photos illustrate safe and ethical practices. Action shots are preferred over posed photos.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Two easy steps! 1. Pay your entry fee. 2. Submit your photos! Your emailed receipt will contain instructions about how to submit your photographs.

Submitting Photos: After you pay your entry fee, your emailed receipt will contain instructions about how to submit your photographs. You may enter up to three photographs in each category per person in color or black and white. We also ask that you do not include a personal watermark on your photos. SCWF reserves the right to add a watermark when publishing online. Digital images are preferred.

File Types – jpg, gif, and png file types (minimum of at least 72 pixels per inch, or minimum of 250 KB-sized image in jpg format).

Entry Fee
Each photographer must submit a one-time entry fee of $15.00 – this fee covers entrance of up to 9 photos (3 per category) in the contest. You may pay the entry fee online through the button below, or you may mail in a check with your photos – make check payable to SCWF.

By paying this fee, I certify that my photographs are eligible for this contest according to the rules below.

Contest Rules

Eligibility
Entries must be images taken in nature in South Carolina. Photos of captive, domestic, and exotic (non-native) species will be disqualified. SCWF employees or board members or their immediate family members are not eligible.

The SCWF photo contest is limited to amateur photographers – defined as those who do not receive more than 10% of their annual income from selling their photographs, or not more than $5,000 annually if retired or unemployed.

*Note: Contestants, by their entry, agree that the South Carolina Wildlife Federation may publish their images in SCWF publications and on the SCWF website and social media platforms. The winning images may be reproduced by SCWF for sale. Photographer name credit will be given when images are used.

Digital Alteration Guidelines
All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared. Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimization will be disqualified. Acceptable are adjustments to color, contrast, brightness and sharpness; removal of dust and scratches; cropping; black and white conversions, and background blurring. Not acceptable are photo composites (combinations of two or more photos, not of the same scene); background removal, the addition, duplication, deletion, or moving of objects in the photos; or the use of artistic digital filters and effects, such as watercolor, neon glow, posterizing, stained glass, and others which do not depict the scene in its natural way. If you have any questions, please email us at photo@scwf.org.

We also ask that you do not include a personal watermark on your photos, and SCWF reserves the right to add a watermark.

Judging
The judges panel is made up of SCWF staff and board of directors. Carolina Critters entries are reviewed by a biologist for identification purposes. Decisions of the judges are final. Notification will be sent by e-mail after judging is complete.

Prizes
The First Place Winner in each category will receive a $100 cash prize, and the category runner up and second runner up will also be recognized on our blog.

Dates
Entries must be received by the October 31st deadline. We aim to notify the winners by December 31st. Only First, Second, and Third places will be awarded. Contest winners will be published online.

Now that we’ve got all that straight…get out there and take some great photos!  Good luck!
Questions? Contact SCWF at (803) 256-0670 or photo@scwf.org. This project is managed by a small team. We kindly ask for your patience in waiting for a reply. We will respond to all questions!

 

Banner Image Credit: “Afterglow” by Jorge Rodriguez.

Palmetto Pro Birders: Lake Murray Paddle

Join Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager, for a Pro Birder Paddle on a beautiful, secluded cove on the northwest side of Lake Murray! We will be on the lookout for  species such as the belted kingfisher, red-headed woodpecker, yellow-billed cuckoo, black-throated blue warbler, tennessee warbler. This paddle is limited to six guests, so register early to secure your spot.

Image Credit: Tennessee warbler by Rusty Wilson.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where:  Lake Murray (Crayne’s Landing)

When:  Thursday, October 2nd from 7 am -11 am. (Rain Date – October 3rd.)

 

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 Keck

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.

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 $100.00 per person and limited to the first 6 people that register.

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

Featured Image Credit: Black-throated blue warbler by Graham Norman.

Palmetto Pro Birders: Saluda Shoals

This class is full! Please add yourself to the waiting list here.

 

Calling all birders! You are invited to join Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager, for a Palmetto Pro Birder class at Saluda Shoals in Irmo. Since it will be during fall migration, we are hoping to see species such as magnolia warblers, chestnut-sided warblers, American redstarts, cape may warblers, and swainson’s thrush. This class is limited to 8 people, so please sign up now if you are interested!

Where:  Saluda Shoals in Irmo, SC

When:  Monday, October 6th from 7:15 am -11:15 am. (Rain Date – October 7th)

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).

This class will be led by Jay Keck, SCWF Industry Habitat Manager.

Jay Keck

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.

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 8 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.

Image Credit: Magnolia Warbler, Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Things that Flitter & Gorgeous Caterpillars at Stono Preserve in Charleston

This class is full! Please add yourself to the waiting list here.

Get ready for a fantastic class on caterpillars, butterflies, and other insects on Thursday, September 11th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at College of Charleston’s Stono Preserve.

 

 

 

 

Dr. David Coyle will talk about all things Lepidoptera (fancy talk for moths and butterflies) before we begin exploring the native trees, shrubs, and perennials in search of caterpillars. Some species we might find include: the Stinging Rose caterpillar, the Monkey Slug, and the Saddleback, among others. As fall migratory bird season will have just started, Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager and our in-house bird guy, will also be on site to identify any of the birds feasting on caterpillars during the class.

 

Dr. David Coyle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SCWF Industry Habitat Manager, Jay Keck.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time: September 11th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Rain date, Sept 12th.

Price: $75

There are only 12 spots available, so please sign up quickly if you are interested!

Things that Flitter & Gorgeous Caterpillars at SC Botanical Garden

This class is full! Please add yourself to the waiting list here.

Get ready for a fantastic class on caterpillars, butterflies, and other insects on Thursday, September 4th from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Clemson Botanical Garden.

Dr. David Coyle will talk about all things Lepidoptera (fancy talk for moths and butterflies) before we begin exploring the native trees, shrubs, and perennials in search of caterpillars. Some species we might find include: the Stinging Rose caterpillar, the Monkey Slug, and the Saddleback, among others.

As fall migratory bird season will have just started, Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager and our in-house bird guy, will also be on site to identify any of the birds feasting on caterpillars during the class.

Dr. David Coyle
Jay Keck, SCWF’s Industry Habitat Manager

Location: SC Botanical Garden

Time: September 4th from 9am – 12pm. Rain date, Sept 5th.

Price: $75

There are only 12 spots, so please sign up quickly if you are interested!

Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills Conservation Dinner at Between the Antlers in Georgetown

Ticket sales have ended for this event. Thank you!

Join the South Carolina Wildlife Federation at Between the Antlers in Georgetown from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for a six-course, wine-paired conservation dinner featuring dishes inspired by imperiled bird species created by Executive Chef Chelsea Cribb.

This year’s featured species include the cerulean warbler, American redstart, golden-crowned kinglet, belted kingfisher, Canada warbler, and of course, the roseate spoonbill, whose conservation story inspired this dinner series. All of these species are depicted in Heather Deacon’s beautiful image above. Heather’s piece titled, Palmetto Feathers, is the winning image of the 2025 Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills art contest!  As each course is served during the dinner, SCWF Industry Habitat Manager Jay Keck will share information about each species and the conservation efforts needed to help them thrive.

This convivial evening will not disappoint! Purchase your tickets early to ensure that you can join us for this deliciously informative conservation dinner. All funds raised will benefit conservation and education programs at SCWF.

 

 

Menu

First Course, inspired by the American redstart

Chargrilled Blue Point oysters, mango pineapple coulis

Second Course, inspired by the cerulean warbler

Peruvian Chopped Salad: summer corn, radishes, lima beans, red onions, herb vinaigrette

Third Course, inspired by the roseate spoonbill

Tuna Carpaccio: thinly sliced tuna, shaved red onions, sliced avocado, cilantro lime drizzle

Fourth Course, inspired by the golden-crowned kinglet

Crispy Pan-Fried Red Snapper, saffron Santee Gold rice, salsa verde

Fifth Course, inspired by the belted kingfisher

Marinated & Stuffed Flank Steak: feta cheese & spinach, garlic smashed fingerling potatoes, chimichurri

Sixth Course, inspired by the Canada warbler

Lemon Cheesecake Mousse, local blueberries

Presenting Sponsor:

SCWF Friends:

Barbara & Clinch Heyward

Regina & John Jahrstofer

Elaine & Bill Miller

Natalie & Marty Kent

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us increase our impact for local wildlife. Please consider a sponsorship when you make your purchase below. For company sponsorships, you’ll receive two tickets at the $500 level, or four dinner tickets at the $1,000 level, and we’ll include your logo on all marketing materials sent out to our 40,000+ supporters and followers, press releases, website, and the event menu. For $300 SCWF Friend sponsorships, you’ll receive two dinner tickets and will be recognized by name on the same formats. Thank you for considering a philanthropic gift to support our mission!

FKS dinner refund policy: 90% of ticket price will be refunded for cancellation more than two weeks prior to the event; 75% refunded when less than two weeks before event. All refund requests must be made in writing or by email to mail@scwf.org.

Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills Conservation Dinner at The Hollow in Columbia

This event is sold out – thank you! 

Join the South Carolina Wildlife Federation at The Hollow in Columbia from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for a five-course, wine-paired conservation dinner featuring dishes inspired by imperiled bird species created by Executive Chef Dante Serra.

This year’s featured species include the cerulean warbler, American redstart, golden-crowned kinglet, belted kingfisher, Canada warbler, and of course, the roseate spoonbill, whose conservation story inspired this dinner series. All of these species are depicted in Heather Deacon’s beautiful image above. Heather’s piece titled, Palmetto Feathers, is the winning image of the 2025 Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills art contest!  As each course is served during the dinner, SCWF Industry Habitat Manager Jay Keck will share information about each species and the conservation efforts needed to help them thrive.

This convivial evening will not disappoint! Purchase your tickets early to ensure that you can join us for this deliciously informative conservation dinner. All funds raised will benefit conservation and education programs at SCWF.

Menu

Specialty cocktail/mocktail, inspired by the golden-crowned kinglet

First Course, inspired by the American redstart

Berry Salad

Blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, roasted sunflower seeds,

feta, strawberry vinaigrette

 

Second Course, inspired by the roseate spoonbill

Seafood Arancini

Lump blue crab, freshwater crawfish, freshwater prawn, creole sauce 

 

Third Course, inspired by the belted kingfisher

Scallop Crudo

Passion fruit reduction, lemon

 

Fourth Course, inspired by the Canada warbler

 Venison Tenderloin

Tri-colored cauliflower – two ways, red wine demi-glace 

 

Fifth Course, inspired by the cerulean warbler

Blue Marble Cheesecake

Blueberry reduction

 

Presenting Sponsor:

 

Event Sponsors:

BlueCross BlueShield of SC

National Land Realty/Jim Taylor

Goings Law Firm

SCWF Friends:

Jon Boguski and Jess Holm

Drs. Jackie and Alaric van Dam 

Tom and Jennifer Mancke 

Susan and Trey Boone

McKenzie and Tim Scott

Audubon SC – Rebecca Haynes & Merrill McGregor

 

 

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us increase our impact for local wildlife. Please consider a sponsorship when you make your purchase below.

For company sponsorships, you’ll receive two tickets at the $500 level, or four dinner tickets at the $1,000 level, and we’ll include your logo on all marketing materials sent out to our 40,000+ supporters and followers, press releases, website, and the event menu.

For SCWF Friend sponsorships, you’ll receive two dinner tickets at the $300 level and will be recognized by name on the same formats.

Thank you for considering a philanthropic gift to support our mission!

FKS dinner refund policy: 90% of ticket price will be refunded for cancellation more than two weeks prior to the event; 75% refunded when less than two weeks before event. All refund requests must be made in writing or by email to mail@scwf.org.

Habitat Workshop

Learn how to create a functioning ecosystem in your landscape in this interactive Habitat Workshop! This hands-on workshop will teach you how to create a thriving habitat for wildlife in your yard, garden, or greenspace using the right plants, foods, and other essential elements. The classroom portion of the workshop, which will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn of Anderson, includes an engaging presentation from SCWF’s Habitat Education Manager, Savannah Jordan, where participants are encouraged to bring a picture of their own yard to evaluate habitat and develop a quick plan/design for improving their habitats.

Following the classroom portion, participants will drive over for a field trip excursion to nearby Green Pond Landing to observe and discuss habitat features at a nearby newly Certified Wildlife Habitat. After a cookout lunch provided by Visit Anderson, a group discussion in the field will involve concrete examples of how to improve habitat quality for a diversity of wildlife from bees and butterflies to birds and mammals. Participants will also enjoy planting native seeds in pots to take home and entering for the chance to win exciting door prizes! Space is limited for this immersive workshop, so register today!

*Please note that the workshop will start at the Hilton Garden Inn of Anderson and end at Green Pond Landing.*

 

Thank you to the Duke Energy Foundation for sponsoring this workshop.

Pollinator Program at the Lancaster County Library

Join us on Tuesday, May 20th, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at the Lancaster County Library to learn about the importance of pollinators, how to help them in your own yard, and pot your own native milkweed seeds to take home for your garden! Plus, take a tour of the library’s brand new pollinator garden to see what pollinators we can find buzzing around.

 

This event is free thanks to the sponsorship of Duke Energy! Registration is required.

 

 

Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills Conservation Dinner at Topsoil Restaurant in Travelers Rest

Ticket sales close on June 18th!

Join the South Carolina Wildlife Federation at Topsoil Restaurant in Travelers Rest near Greenville from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for a six-course, wine-paired conservation dinner featuring dishes inspired by imperiled bird species created by Executive Chef Adam Cooke.

This year’s featured species include the cerulean warbler, American redstart, golden-crowned kinglet, belted kingfisher, Canada warbler, and of course, the roseate spoonbill, whose conservation story inspired this dinner series. All of these species are depicted in Heather Deacon’s beautiful image above. Heather’s piece titled, Palmetto Feathers, is the winning image of the 2025 Forks, Knives, & Spoonbills art contest!  As each course is served during the dinner, SCWF Industry Habitat Manager Jay Keck will share information about each species and the conservation efforts needed to help them thrive.

This convivial evening will not disappoint! Purchase your tickets early to ensure that you can join us for this deliciously informative conservation dinner. All funds raised will benefit conservation and education programs at SCWF.

Menu 

Inspired by the Roseate Spoonbill:

Broadwater shrimp and daikon carpaccio

Inspired by the Cerulean Warbler:

Snow Camp goat cheese and beet salad with pickled blueberries

Inspired by the American Redstart:

Charred and pickled yellow carrots, fried fig and carrot mole, fresh figs and pumpkin seeds

Inspired by the Golden-Crowned Kinglet:

Golden tilefish, lemon vin jaune sauce

Inspired by the Belted Kingfisher:

Local guinea fowl, maitake mushroom, xo gastrique

Inspired by the Canada Warbler:

Lemon tahini tart, nigella pine nut brittle

 

(Please note this menu is subject to change based on availability. Vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options available.)

Presenting Sponsor:

Event Sponsor:

BlueCross BlueShield of SC

SCWF Friends:

Hazel Monteith and Burt Pardue

Hosana Nagasaka and Joel Chavez Ortiz

Rita and Robert Rao

Wine Sponsor:

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us increase our impact for local wildlife. Please consider a sponsorship when you make your purchase below.

For company sponsorships, you’ll receive two tickets at the $500 level, or four dinner tickets at the $1,000 level, and we’ll include your logo on all marketing materials sent out to our 40,000+ supporters and followers, press releases, website, and the event menu.

For SCWF Friend sponsorships, you’ll receive two dinner tickets at the $300 level and will be recognized by name on the same formats.

Thank you for considering a philanthropic gift to support our mission!

FKS dinner refund policy: 90% of ticket price will be refunded for cancellation more than two weeks prior to the event; 75% refunded when less than two weeks before event. All refund requests must be made in writing or by email to mail@scwf.org.