Have a love for the birds of Upstate, SC? My family enjoys visiting Conestee Nature Preserve, not just because of its wonderful play areas, but for its easy trails teeming with wildlife, especially birds. I didn’t realize until recently that Conestee Nature Preserve is an Upstate, SC, birds-watcher paradise with over 200 different species.
I’m so excited that Paul Serridge from the Greenville County Bird Club (GCBC) shared information about the birds at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve and the presentations and free guided bird walks they offer the Greenville community.
Birding at Conestee Nature Preserve
There are currently 1,138 species of birds on the ABA (American Birding Association) checklist for the Continental U.S. and Canada. There are 472 species on the official bird list for South Carolina. And there are 226 species on the checklist for the Conestee Nature Preserve!
In other words, a birding bonanza is right here on your doorstep in Greenville, SC. Of course, many of the birds found at Conestee are common and some will visit backyard feeders or eat insects from your yard.
Some common birds of South Carolina you may catch a glimpse of at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve include Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinals, Chipping Sparrows, Blue Jay, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, Brown Headed Nuthatch, Red Shoulder Hawk, Mourning Dove, European Starling, American Robin, and the star of the park, the Great Blue Heron.
You can see many of these birds in fall and winter, so you can visit any time of year and still go birding at Conestee Nature Preserve.
Free Guided Bird Walks at Conestee Nature Preserve
The Greenville County Bird Club offers free guided bird walks on the third Saturday of each month at Conestee Nature Preserve. You find more details on the outings page of the GCBC website. Be sure to check the website before heading out, because the club occasionally adds walks or changes dates. You don’t have to be a GCBC member to participate. Please note that minor children should be accompanied by an adult.
Birding Events at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve
In addition to exploring the beauty of the Preserve, you can also attend any of their events. They offer small community events and youth programs. Their annual events are larger in size and include Hops & Herons in the fall and the Great Blue Gathering in the Spring. They also offer occasional bird-watching outings. Stay tuned to their Events page for more details.
Check out our full Conestee Nature Preserve Guide before heading out on your bird-watching trip.
More Birding Opportunities
Want to see an incredible hawk migration? You can visit Caesar’s Head in the fall for the hawk watch.
Sassafras Mountain is another great place to catch the fall hawk migration.
Have you been birding at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve? We love seeing the Blue Heron nests!
Can anyone identify this bird type? I shot the pic at the Conestee nature Preserve today, 12 April 2021 just off Possum Run Trail. I think it’s some type of sandpiper???