The purple martin is the largest extant North American swallow species.
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In 1776, the seaside city of Charleston became South Carolina’s capital, but the Palmetto State drew up plans for a centralized capital soon after American independence, with the city of Columbia officially coming into being in 1786. Nearly a century later, the city was razed to the ground during the Civil War, but today it’s home to a variety of attractions, from the South Carolina State Museum to the Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens, as well as a number of fascinating ecotourism destinations easily accessible from the city limits.
For those who prefer to stay close to the downtown area, Columbia’s many rivers and waterways offer some of the best birdwatching opportunities. One of the most ideal spots is the Saluda Riverwalk. Located on the banks of the Saluda River, this lush public preserve features a long pedestrian walkway that’s perfect for observing the Palmetto State’s native fauna, with birds such as Louisiana thrushes, water cranes, and blue herons making frequent appearances. Meanwhile, those looking to embark on a birdwatching expedition from a unique perspective can book a day trip with Palmetto Outdoors, a local tour company that offers innertube and kayak tours of Columbia and other nearby sites. While exploring along the Saluda River, visitors can keep a close eye on the abundant birds that inhabit the water’s waters. There’s also ample opportunity to spot South Carolina quintessential creatures like great blue herons, double-crested cormorants, and great egrets.
Congaree National Park was granted its current level of federal protection in 2003.
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Located about 30 minutes southeast of the city center, bird lovers can find treasures of biodiversity throughout Congaree National Park. This lush preserve was officially granted federal protection on October 18, 1976, following significant public support to stop the logging industry from destroying native plants. Thanks to the efforts of many South Carolinians, modern-day visitors can marvel at the towering water tupelo and bald cypress trees along the park’s bottomland hardwood forest trails, while the upland pine forests are perfect for spotting red-crowned sparrows and tufted woodpeckers that inhabit the loblolly pine trees. Today, the park is home to colorful birdlife such as summer bitterlings, blue-and-white buntings, and brown buntings, and the deep forests were once home to the particularly famous (and likely extinct) long-billed woodpecker.
And of course, no wildlife-focused visit to Columbia would be complete without seeing the annual Purple Martin migration. With a lustrous, iridescent coat of feathers (at least for the males), these diminutive passerines spend their breeding season in eastern North America before eventually departing for the warmer regions of South America before winter sets in. And one of the key stopovers on their journey is Lake Murray, just outside Columbia. Every day from June through August, roughly one million birds congregate around Bom Island, departing around sunrise and returning to roost by dusk. Visitors can book a private charter to see this enchanting event, but Spirit of Lake Murray has mastered the art of luxury-focused ecotourism, offering guests a full-service bar, elaborate meals, and a two-story observation deck during their annual Purple Martin bird tour.
Columbia’s residents give the city a vibrant dining and outdoor adventure scene, but Richland County’s fauna also cements it as one of South Carolina’s most attractive tourist destinations. From the deep, rugged waters of Congaree National Park to the shores of Bom Island, the Palmetto State’s interior is home to some truly spectacular wildlife. When it comes to experiencing the splendor of South Carolina’s native birdlife firsthand, it’s hard to find a better place than Columbia.
