Participation wavier for all Activities, Activities refers to “Events”, “Programs”, “Field Trips”, “Birdathon”, “Lectures & Presentations”, “Christmas Bird Count [CBC]”, “Fundraisers”, but not exclusive to, conducted, hosted, or sponsored by, the Charleston Natural History Society (CNHS) and may be found here: Participation Wavier. By participating in any CNHS activity it is assumed that you have read and agreed to the wavier.
Participants shall also agree that the Charleston Natural History Society, Audubon, may use photographs, recordings, or videos taken during such activities with or without your name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content.
2026
McAlhaney Nature Preserve
Saturday, April 18th 8:30 AM (See below for travel instructions)
On Saturday, April 18 Andy Harrison will lead our group on a birding tour of the nature trails and longleaf pine restoration area at McAlhany Nature Preserve (this trip was rained out last year). Among the birds we’re likely to see or hear are Hooded Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-
throated Vireo, Summer Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Painted Bunting and Yellow-breasted Chat.
We also may observe some interesting migrants or uncommon summer residents, including Mississippi Kite, Swallow-tailed Kite, Veery, Wood Thrush, American Redstart, Black-throated Blue Warbler and others. After walking portions of the River and Bluff Trails in the morning, we’ll eat lunch at the cabin (where a restroom is available) and then head across Wire Road to the longleaf pine area for some mid-successional and open field birding. There is also an active Little Blue Heron rookery in the wetland known as “Marvin’s Folly.”
This trip is limited to 20 participants. If you feel unwell, or are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, loss of smell or taste, or fever, PLEASE STAY HOME! We will do a fair amount of walking on this trip. Bring water, snacks, lunch, your birding gear and weather-appropriate clothing (insect repellant may also be necessary).
We’ll plan to arrive at MNP around 8:30 AM Saturday morning. Those who wish to carpool can meet Andy at 7:00 AM in the Westwood Plaza parking lot (at the intersection of Sam Rittenberg Blvd and Hwy 61, in front of Barnes & Noble). If you plan to join the walk, please register with Andy Harrison prior to April 18 at parula23@aol.com
or 843-327-3546.
May
Edisto Nature Trail
Saturday 16th May, 7:30 AM (See below for travel instructions)
On Saturday, May 16 Nicole Marie Pettinelli will lead us on a birding walk at the Edisto Nature Trail in Jacksonboro, SC. This is a 1.5-mile, easy loop on property that is owned and managed by Smurfit Westrock. The trail winds through areas of mature pine, mixed hardwoods, and cypress/tupelo forest. Several interesting historic landmarks are identified along the trail, including the King’s Highway, an old railroad tram and the site of a phosphate mining operation. There is also a short spur trail, the Pon Pon Spur, which takes visitors to an overlook on the Edisto River.
Spring migration should be well underway by the time of our trip. The Edisto Nature Trail is one of the best places in the Lowcountry to see and hear Kentucky and Swainson’s Warblers, and if we’re lucky, we may observe one or
both species. We should also see (and hear) a variety of other songbirds, including Veery and Hooded, Northern Parula, Prothonotary, Worm-Eating, and Yellow-throated Warblers. There is a chance we may see White Ibis, Wood
Storks or even a Swallow-tailed or Mississippi Kite circling overhead. Broad-winged Hawks are sometimes seen or heard here, too.
This trip is limited to 20 participants. If you feel unwell, or are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, loss of smell or taste, or fever, PLEASE STAY HOME! Bring food and water, your birding gear, and dress for
the weather (insect repellant is also recommended). The trail has numerous board walks to assist in traversing potentially wet areas. Footwear appropriate for wet locale hiking is recommended.
For those who wish to carpool, we’ll meet at 7:30 AM in the Food Lion parking lot at the intersection of US Hwy 17 South and SC 165 in Ravenel, SC (6323 Savannah Hwy, Ravenel SC 29470). Otherwise, you are welcome to meet
the group at 8:00 AM at the trailhead parking lot (17038 Ace Basin Pkwy, Jacksonboro SC 29452).
This will probably be a half day trip, but participants are welcome to stay longer if they wish. If you plan to attend, please register with Nicole Marie prior to May 16 at info@charlestonbirdclub.com .
Charleston Natural History Society 