Bird Watching at Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park is spread across 26,276 acres of central South Carolina land, located 18 miles southeast of Columbia. The park forms the largest expanse of intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the United States and has incredible biodiversity.
The park's river-floodplain ecosystem is lined by lakes, creeks, and swamps, providing wildlife with adequate food and shelter. Congaree National Park is a recognized Important Bird Area (IBA) with populations of Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Barred Owls, Summer Tanagers, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and Wrens, Nuthatches, and Warblers.
Major Attractions at Congaree National Park
Hiking is the best way to travel and explore the biodiversity of Congaree National Park. Travel along with Bluff Trail, Sims Trail, Weston Lake Loop Trail, or Boardwalk Loop Trail to spot animals that sanctuary in the park-like wild boars and box turtles. The park also offers guided ranger tours that give detailed explanations of the park's wildlife and ecology.
Another way to experience Congaree National Park is by kayaking or canoeing through its swamps or fishing alongside its rivers. Follow the marked Cedar Creek Canoe Trail with your kayak to view the park's landscape from a different angle. Another central feature of Congaree is its Synchronous Fireflies. This park is the only site besides Great Smoky Mountains National Park that displays the firefly show from late May to early June each year.
GET KIDS BIRD WATCHING
Bird Watching at Congaree National Park
The park's bird checklist marks just under 200 species. Although the number is not high, Congaree makes up for it in the sheer number of birds present at any given time of year. In addition, the national park is an ideal habitat for migrant birds, especially for populations looking for a suitable nesting site or wintering grounds.
Almost all of South Carolina's Woodpeckers have been recorded at Congaree National Park, including the Ivory-billed Woodpecker and the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. Most of the commonly found Woodpeckers occur in large flocks every year. Congaree is also a site for special concerns for the Rusty Blackbird Spring Migration Blitz. Walking around Cedar Creek will most likely present you with the view of a Pileated Woodpecker.
The Red-bellied Woodpeckers can be heard cackling in the woodlands, making much more noise than in a mixed forest of the north. In the winter months of Congaree, songbirds are the main attraction. A cacophony can be heard from dawn until 9 to 10 in the morning in the Harry Hampton Visitor Center parking lot. The Yellow-throated Warblers can be heard singing from high perches in an attempt to drown out the gangs of Tufted Titmice.
10 Birds to See at Congaree National Park
Red-tailed Hawk
Red-tailed Hawks have wide, round wings, and a short red tail. They are the most common Hawk throughout North America. Their population is steady with some recent increases. Red-tailed Hawks live in open fields, prairie groves, and mountains. These birds perch up high to look for their prey. They eat small animals like rabbits and voles. They lay 2 to 3 eggs in nests 120 feet high in trees. Their nests are made with sticks and shaped like a big bowl. Red-tailed Hawks residing in the north migrate south; however, those already in the south are permanent residents.
Barred Owl
Barred Owls are brown and white striped with brown eyes. They live throughout the southeast U.S. Their population has recently increased after a decline. Their habitat is in wooded swamps and woodlands. Barred Owls make the traditional “hoot” sound and are most active at night. They eat small mammals, flying squirrels, rabbits, and opossums. Barred Owls lay 2 to 3 eggs in the hollow part of a tree. They do not migrate.
Summer Tanager
Summer Tanagers are the only completely red birds in North America. They live in the southern region of North America. These birds are quite common and widespread and not at risk of being endangered. They enjoy making their home at the top canopy of eastern forests. Summer Tanagers like to catch bees and wasps in flight to eat. They will also eat berries and spiders. Summer Tanagers are hard to find songbirds because they hide and move slowly. They lay 3 to 5 eggs in a loosely made cup shaped nest above ground. They migrate south into Mexico and Brazil.
Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpeckers are a beautiful black color with white stripes down their neck and a bright red crest. You can find them in the eastern region of North America. Their population is stable after a slight decrease prior to 1900. Pileated Woodpeckers like to drum on old logs or near the base of a tree. They like to dig rectangular holes in trees while trying to find ants to eat. They lay 3 to 5 eggs and make their nests in dead trees or utility poles. Pileated Woodpeckers are permanent residents.
