Wednesday, April 2nd
12 — 1 p.m.
Knowledge at Noon | Spring Migration
Free | Register to receive meeting link
Virtual
Spring Migration: Identifying South Carolina's Most Colorful Warblers
Join local birder and HC volunteer John Tjaarda as he discusses how to identify some common warblers that will be migrating through Columbia on their journey north to nest in late April and early May. Warblers are some of the brightest, most colorful, and smallest songbirds that nature has to offer. Tjaarda will show attendees what these birds look and sound like, where to find them, and how to potentially attract some to their yards this spring.
About John Tjaarda
As HC’s "Resident Bird Nerd,” John Tjaarda leads the organization’s monthly Birdwatching in the Gardens program. As the Area Director for the South Carolina Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Tjaarda emphasizes the importance of self-care and seeks to showcase birding as an accessible tool—or just a fun hobby.
John began birding in 2011 after taking a job teaching bird study over the summer. After a short break between 2014-2018 John returned with a vengeance to the bird world and has been trying to see them all ever since.
Follow John on Instagram at @birdwalksc. He’s also available for private bird walks at birdwalk.sc@gmail.com
About Knowledge at Noon
Knowledge at Noon provides fresh perspectives on Columbia’s rich history. This monthly virtual series delves into diverse topics such as archaeology and women's history, featuring Historic Columbia staff and local experts. Each session includes a forty-five-minute presentation followed by a Q-and-A. Attendance is free, but registration is required to receive the meeting link.
_0.png)
Upcoming Birdwatching and Other Garden Events
See All Events06 Mar
Thursday, March 6th: 8 — 10 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Grab your binoculars to join Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia. With the Hampton-Preston gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year...
03 Apr
Thursday, April 3rd: 5 — 7 p.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Performers from the South Carolina Philharmonic will join Historic Columbia to present a beautiful concert of light classics in the gardens at the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Please plan to arrive any time after 5:00 p.m. The concert will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last an hour. Bring your own blanket or...
10 Apr
Thursday, April 10th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Grab your binoculars to join Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia. With the Hampton-Preston gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year...
10 Apr
Thursday, April 10th: 4 — 6 p.m.
Members-Only Early Access: Spring Plant Sale
1615 Blanding St., Columbia, SC 29201
Join us in the lush gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion for the 2025 Spring Plant Sale! Celebrate spring at our Plant Sale! Browse heirloom flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and perennials, all grown in Historic Columbia’s gardens. All selections are integral to the stories we share and many are rare or hard-to-find...
11 Apr
Friday, April 11th: 11 a.m. — 5 p.m.
1615 Blanding St., Columbia, SC 29201
Join us in the lush gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion for the 2025 Spring Plant Sale! At one of two plant sales Historic Columbia holds every year, attendees will be able to purchase and learn about a wide array of plants propagated from the Living Collections across all of our...
12 Apr
Saturday, April 12th: 10 a.m. — 2 p.m.
1615 Blanding St., Columbia, SC 29201
Join us in the lush gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion for the 2025 Spring Plant Sale! At one of two plant sales Historic Columbia holds every year, attendees will be able to purchase and learn about a wide array of plants propagated from the Living Collections across all of our...
24 Apr
Thursday, April 24th: 8 — 9 a.m.
Birdwatching in the Gardens | Migration Season
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
For bird watchers in South Carolina, spring migration brings tons of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and more species that we don’t normally see as they make their way north to their breeding grounds. Hopefully, some of these birds will take a rest on their mammoth journey here at Historic Columbia! Grab...
08 May
Thursday, May 8th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Grab your binoculars to join Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia. With the Hampton-Preston gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year...
08 May
Thursday, May 8th: 5 — 7 p.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Performers from the South Carolina Philharmonic will join Historic Columbia to present a beautiful concert of light classics in the gardens at the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Please plan to arrive any time after 5:00 p.m. The concert will begin at 6:00 p.m. and last an hour. Bring your own blanket or...
22 May
Thursday, May 22nd: 8 — 9 a.m.
Birdwatching in the Gardens | Migration Season
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
For bird watchers in South Carolina, spring migration brings tons of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and more species that we don’t normally see as they make their way north to their breeding grounds. Hopefully, some of these birds will take a rest on their mammoth journey here at Historic Columbia! Grab...
12 Jun
Thursday, June 12th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Grab your binoculars to join Historic Columbia and local birder John Tjaarda for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens to learn about the many local and migratory birds in Columbia. With the Hampton-Preston gardens playing host to over 100 bird species over the course of the year...