Friends of Nature and Wildlife - Swamp Fox Murals Home

Welcome YOU to Clarendon County, SC

This site: http://www.friendsnaturewildlife.com/

Friends Invite You to Come to Clarendon County, South Carolina
"The best birding center in South Carolina and the Southeast."

Summerton, Manning, Turbeville, SC and more.

"When one tugs at a single thing in nature,

he finds it attached to the rest of the world" - John Muir

The purpose of the Friends of Nature and Wildlife
is to promote conservation, awareness, and appreciation of the Nature and Wildlife.

Pocotaligo Nature Walk is re-opened 2020, looking better than ever.

Thanks to City of Manning for the all new boardwalk

for a close view of the swamp, flora & fauna.

Ox Swamp Marker, where General Francis Marion got

"Swamp Fox" moniker, near Pocotaligo Swamp 3-2-2012:

Ms Land, Dr. Hardee, Chairman Stewart, Mayor Nelson.

Ox Swamp Historic Marker

Follow Pocotaligo Nature Walk signs.

See Francis Marion related items for sale & monthly events .

For Earth Day & National Parks Week: 2020.4.27

SOUTH CAROLINA: Backyard Birding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKQSBZw4Bp0

SC Fun in the Field Friday: Carolina Bays 2020.4.24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIr9jimfXM4

Across the US: Top 29 Best National Parks in The USA | From Alaska to Hawaii to Zion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lcVbePdLIE

Clarendon Area Events 2020-2021 and Many more Clarendon County & area events

Jan 5, 21 National Bird Day Jan 29, 1937 Ducks Unlimited incorporated

Feb 12-14, 21 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition - Charleston

Feb 12-15, 21Next Great Backyard Bird Count Weekend: To Participate: www.birdcount.org

April 4-10, 2021 National Wildlife Week

April 22 EARTH DAY

Not Now April 24-25, 2020 41st Annual Striped Bass Festival, Manning

May 1 - June 15 Alligator hunting application deadline on-line only for the

season: Sept - Oct: SCDNR: 803-734-3609: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/alligator/drawhunt.html

May 3-9, 2020 National Wildflower Week

May 15, 2020 Endangered Species Day

May 23, 2020 World Turtle Day

May 31 - Aug 7 Camp Woodie, 10 camp weeks: http://www.wildlifeedcenter.org/camp-woodie/ : SC Youth Waterfowl Camps: No Camp Leopold: 803-452-6001 www.scwa.org

Summer, 2020 Saturdays: Farmers Market: 8 am - Noon: Manning: 803-435-8477

June 5 World Environment Day

June 6 National Trails Day

June 8 World Ocean Day

June 13 National Get Outdoors Day

June 20 First day of summer - Longest Day of the Year - Summer Solstice

Saturdays: ? July-Aug-Sept Farmers Market, Manning: open 10 AM:

Sept 12- Oct 10 SC Alligator hunting season by permit

Sept 22 First day of Fall - Autumnal Equinox

Sept 26 National Public Lands Day

Sept 26 National Hunting and Fishing Day - SCDNR

Oct 10-17 SC Native Plant Week

Oct 11-17 National Wildlife Refuge Week: 553 refuges US-wide

Dec 4 Happy SC Arbor Day

Learn Birds & their sounds:

https://www.aaastateofplay.com/50-bird-species-sounds-they-make/?fbclid=IwAR18CLBKcHJhI5AaYcFcUR2vrYcDjiXfpiPvy60O5Cv_0bAmulPFH9NtisU

Audubon Society of South Carolina: Upcoming Events https://sc.audubon.org/events

SC Native Plant Society: Upcoming Events https://scnps.org/scnps-news

Marsh tackies: The role of colonial horses in the fighting of the Southern campaign.

"The Marsh Tacky Horse: History on the Hoof", Ms. Jeannette Beranger, Research and Technical Programs Manager of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC), explore the role of the once-common "Marsh Tacky" breed of horses in the American Revolution, particularly among the partisan South Carolina forces. DNA testing reveals that the Marsh Tacky is a descendant of Spanish colonial horses. By the late 1800s, Tackles likely were found as far north as Myrtle Beach, SC and as far south as St. Simons Island, GA. Significantly smaller (13.5 to 15 hands high) than Arab or Quarter Horses, the five-foot tall Tackles were reliable and good-natured work horses of the Carolina colonists. Breeders consider the modern-day Tacky a steady mount ideal for the wetlands and forests of the region. They do not panic in mud and water unlike the "blood horses" that the British imported for many of their officers. While they had a bulkier body, their long yet narrow chest efficiently functioned to release heat and increased their endurance in the sultry Carolina climate. Marion and his guerrilla warriors saw this horse as providing a distinct advantage over the more skittish and less heat-tolerant mounts of the Redcoat officers.

Palmetto Trail

From the mountains to the sea

(Click on this for larger map)

http://www.palmettoconservation.org/trails/lakemarion.htm

"See wildlife at its best"

The Lake Marion Passage of the Palmetto Trail is officially designated, August, 2000, in Clarendon County. By the end of 2006, the total mileage of the Trail across SC to more than 225 miles. This over 30 mile passage of the Palmetto Trail skirts along the high-water mark of the north side of Lake Marion. After crossing Lake Marion on Historic 301 bridge, the Lake Marion Passage winds along the high water mark of the lake, along Old River Road, between Fludd's Mill and the 'hauntingly beautiful cypress lagoon' Elliott's Mill Pond and behind SC Waterfowl Association. Commercial campsites along the trail include Jack's Creek Marina & Carolina King Resort, so hikers and bikers can stay on the trail for extended periods. Trail users will enjoy some of the most magnificent vistas in the Lowcountry with opportunity to spot abundant wildlife and colorful flora. Users have the possibility of encountering poisonous snakes and/or large alligators along the lake's edge. Only hikers and bikers may use this section of trail. The Lake Marion Passage is marked by yellow blazes in Clarendon County. Hikers and bikers should wear bright colors during big game hunting season, which is from the middle of August through January.

Woods Bay State Park

https://southcarolinaparks.com/woods-bay

Woods Bay State Park has 1, 541 acres, most of which are open savannah near the pointed end of the egg-shaped bay, and dense cypress swamp elsewhere. At the edge of the bay are sandy flats with loblolly pines and turkey oaks, and on the north side adjacent to the bay is the Mill Point Pond. The park was named after Andre Woods, who once owned a gristmill at the pond. Wildlife is prominent, including numerous species of wading, perching birds. The land was purchased in 1973, and the facilities include nature study, canoeing, picnicking and fishing. Located east of I-95, Exit 135 to US 301 north of Turbeville.

Kids Wildlife Habitat Research

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/creating-wildlife-habitat-your-backyard.htm

GBBC eNewsletter

March 2020

Dancing with delight over GBBC results! Western Grebes by Sandy Zelasko, California, GBBC 2020

Wow, Just Wow!

The 2020 Great Backyard Bird Count exceeded all expectations and set the bar even higher when it comes to public participation in worldwide citizen-science events! This year's count smashed previous records for number of participants, checklists, and species reported. More than a quarter-of-a-million people were counting birds over the four days of the GBBC this year!

Species: 6,942

Checklists: 249,444

Estimated Participants: 268,674

Our top-10 list for species appearing on the greatest number of checklists shows the Northern Cardinal once again in the top spot. Changes compared to year: White-breasted Nuthatch got knocked out of the tenth spot, replaced by the Red-bellied Woodpecker--a species that has been expanding its range in recent years. House Sparrow and American Crow swapped places, with the sparrow moving up two notches. All other species are in the same position as during the last GBBC.

Species	Number of Checklists
Northern Cardinal	70,168
Dark-eyed Junco	59,318
Mourning Dove	58,361
Downy Woodpecker	52,276
Blue Jay	52,276
House Sparrow	52,276
House Finch	48,796
American Crow	48,639
Black-capped Chickadee	43,775
Red-bellied Woodpecker	40,826

Data totals as of March 10, 2020

The top-10 list above reflects species common in the United States and Canada because of continued high participation in the region. Record-breaking participation from other countries generated valuable data documenting the diversity of species across the globe. See the top-10 list below of countries reporting the greatest number of species--always a hotly-contested race in bird-rich Central and South America. Peru and Mexico swapped places but otherwise the list remains unchanged compared to last year, although in nearly every case, these countries set new species records. U.S. participants reported slightly fewer species than last year. (Asterisks indicate a new species record for the GBBC.)

Country	Number of Species
Colombia	1,129*
Ecuador	1,082*
Brazil	935*
India	916*
Peru	838*
Mexico	743*
Costa Rica	693*
United States	661
Argentina	641*
Thailand	590*

Data totals as of March 10, 2020

See which countries, provinces, and states made the top 10 in other categories and read our full 2020 GBBC summary repor t.

Slaty-backed Gull by Charles Fitzpatrick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Macaulay Library., GBBC 2020

Canada Rare Sightings

Rare birds reported in Canada this year included a Slaty-backed Gull, a western Pacific species that is typically found in coastal areas of northeast Asia and occasionally along the Alaskan coast. But Charles Fitzpatrick found one in Newfoundland and Labrador!

Signs of a milder-than-usual Canadian winter included rare sightings of an Eastern Phoebe in Ontario, plus a Rose-breasted Grosbeak and an Indigo Bunting in Nova Scotia, both of the latter species typically found much farther south, spread out through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and the southern tip of Florida at GBBC time.

Next GBBC:
February 12-15, 2021

Purple Finch in Saint Pierre and Miquelon. Photo by Detcheverry Joël, Macaulay Library

Birds Canada Reports

Canada’s GBBC participants found fewer winter finches this year due to the great cone and seed crop up north in the boreal forest of Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland. The great food crop, along with less snow and mild temperatures throughout much of Canada, resulted in many species of birds staying north this year. See more highlights in our 2020 summary

Join Global Big Day

This is another opportunity to participate in a world-wide bird count! Global Big Day is being held on May 9. If you've already done the GBBC, then you're ready to join this free event, too. Use your same username and password to sign in through eBird. Data are collected in the same way. Learn more.

Blue Jay by Paula Brown, Ottawa, Canada. GBBC 2020

Thank you for participating in GBBC 2020

Thank you Wild Birds Unlimited, founding sponsor of the Great Backyard Bird Count!

This Siberian Accentor was seen in the state of Washington during the GBBC. Photo by Mark Scheel, Macaulay Library.

Siberian Visitor to U.S.

Rare birds always draw attention during the GBBC. One of the standout rarities from 2020 was found about a week before the GBBC but stuck around through the count weekend. The striking Siberian Accentor belongs to the Prunellidae family of birds which has no representatives in the New World. Yet, dozens of people saw this bird near Woodland, Washington, during GBBC weekend including Mark Scheel who took the photo above and reported the bird on his checklist for Sunday, February 16.

Get to Know These 15 Common Birds

Are your native plants already bringing new birds to your yard? If so, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common backyard birds found throughout the country.

And even if you haven’t put those plants in the ground or on your balcony yet, our list also includes some fun facts about our most common—and often most beloved—feathered friends that we know you’ll enjoy reading.

Meet the Birds

25 Feb 2020

You have your list, now it’s time to get planting.

Native plants can make your space more beautiful, easier to care for, and better for the environment.

Plus, they’re good for the birds we all love. Native plants not only provide food and shelter for our favorite backyard regulars but also make inviting pit stops for seasonal migratory visitors. And as birds face more threats from habitat destruction, changes in our climate, and man-made obstacles, providing safe havens for them is more important now than ever.

And best of all, just about anyone can take advantage of the many benefits of native plants! Whether you have an open yard or a small balcony, we have tips and suggestions to help spruce up your green space while creating a lush habitat for birds.

Start Planting

This perky Carolina Wren image was submitted by Kenneth Bourque Gonzales, Louisiana, 2019 GBBC.

The Pine Siskin is an irruptive species that may push farther south if food is scarce. Photo by Joanie Christian, Washington, 2019 GBBC.

Winter Finch Forecast

Each year we like to pass along Ron Pittaway's Winter Finch Forecast so you have some idea of what to look for at your feeders as the GBBC gets closer. Some years, finches push southward looking for a better supply of food when the seed and cone crops are not sufficient in Canada. But this doesn't appear to be one of those irruption years. Resources are plentiful in their winter ranges so Common Redpolls, Pine Siskins, and other northern finches are not expected in unusually large numbers. See finch forecast details.

This fanciful feeder suits a Downy Woodpecker just fine! Photo by Mary Jo Sichak, New Jersey, 2019 GBBC.

Join Project FeederWatch

A new season of the Project FeederWatch citizen-science project has just launched and you can still get in on the counting action to help scientists understand trends at feeders across the continent. FeederWatch participants count their feeder birds on two days per week that they choose (or as often as they can) between November and early April. Thousands of participants in the U.S. and Canada have been doing the count for 33 years and have amassed a tremendous database of observations that scientists use to track changes in bird populations over time. It's one of the simple things you can do to help birds–count them! Learn how to join Project FeederWatch.

Try a citizen-science project about birds and climate. Photo by Luke Franke, Audubon.

Climate Watch Survey

Changes to climate and the environment continue to have an impact on birds all around the world. The National Audubon Society created its Climate Watch project a few years ago to specifically track how birds may be responding to climate change. You participate by observing birds in your area at a specific time using a specific protocol. Scientists will then analyze the data. Take note: The next survey will take place from January 15 through February 15, 2020, and is open to anyone with an interest in birds. Learn more.

The next GBBC is February 14-17, 2020

BirdCount.org

Free Tune-Up for GBBC

GBBC is powered by eBird and we strongly recommend that everyone take the free eBird Essentials course before the count. You can set up your free account and start using eBird as soon as you wish, and this is a great way to practice for the GBBC and to help document birds worldwide.

We Can All Help Birds

A major study published in September revealed a staggering net loss of birds–even among common species. There are nearly three billion fewer breeding birds in the U.S. and Canada than there were in 1970. But there's also reason to hope the situation can be reversed. Birds are resilient, if given a chance. Thanks to focused conservation efforts, the data show that waterfowl and raptors have rebounded. You can also help by taking 7 Simple Actions to help birds, including counting them. There are so many opportunities to count birds and we've presented several of them in this newsletter: GBBC, FeederWatch, Climate Watch, Christmas Bird Count, and eBird. Learn what else you can do.

Photo by Camilla Cerea, Audubon, 2018 CBC.

Christmas Bird Count Turns 120!

The National Audubon Society's 120th Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is set to take place from December 14, 2019, through January 5, 2020, all across the U.S. and Canada. CBC is the longest-running community science project in the Western Hemisphere. You can join tens of thousands of volunteers who take part in their local counts and make a vital contribution to science and bird conservation. Explore how Christmas Bird Count data are used to highlight bird population trends. Learn more.

Join the CBC in Canada and learn about Canada's Christmas Bird Count For Kids.

Visit Wild Birds Unlimited, founding sponsor of the Great Backyard Bird Count.

GBBC eNewsletter

December 2018

Use posters and social media images to tell more people about the count. Red-breasted Nuthatch image by Karen E. Brown, 2018 GBBC.

Help Spread the Word!

Digital materials that announce the Great Backyard Bird Count, the dates, and the website have just been created. There are multiple versions of posters and social media images so you can choose what "calls" to you the most. Grab yours now and please help spread the word!

Note that these materials are in English. Spanish and French versions coming next!

Explore Species in eBird

There is a new feature in the GBBC/eBird system called Explore Species. It combines images, sound recordings, and other media for every species in the world. You'll find quick identification tips, regional bird guides, and even statistics showing the sightings you may have contributed for each species. Read more about what you can do with this new feature, or go directly to Explore Species to start your online avian adventure. Choose "Surprise me!" and see what turns up!

If you haven't done so already, get ready for the GBBC by trying the new eBird Essentials online course--it's free! Sep by step it will help you become an expert at entering bird observation data into eBird--the same system used by the Great Backyard Bird Count. More information.

The next GBBC is
February 15-18, 2019

BirdCount.org

Photo by Camilla Cerea, Audubon.

Christmas Bird Count is On!

Audubon's 119^th Christmas Bird Count is underway, continuing through January 5, 2019. Your participation in the CBC, the world’s longest-running bird count, helps us track changes in bird populations and shifts in ranges over time. To participate, check out the map of CBC circles and click on the center of a circle in your area to contact the count compiler for information on how to get involved on count day!

Download the Slideshow

The Great Backyard Bird Count PowerPoint slideshow is ready for you. Along with the digital slides you can also download a script. This slideshow is handy for any presentations you will be giving to encourage GBBC participation in your community or classroom. It's also a good refresher on how to enter data! Download now.

GBBC eNewsletter

November 2018

Blue Jay by Nancy Tully, PA. 2018 GBBC.

You'd Be Nuts to Miss the GBBC!

Greetings from the Great Backyard Bird Count team at Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and Bird Studies Canada! We want to remind you to mark your calendars for the 22nd GBBC, coming up February 15 through 18, 2019.

Winter Finch Forecast

The finch influx has already begun! The chances of seeing such species as Evening Grosbeak, Red-breast Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, and Pine Grosbeak are much improved this year. Check out Ron Pittaway's annual forecast to see what you might expect in your neck of the woods. Then use eBird to see where they are being reported now. Here's an example for the Evening Grosbeak.

New! Explore Species Tool

One of the coolest new tools for anyone who participates in the GBBC or uses eBird is the Explore Species feature. You'll find it under the Explore tab. The eBird team just recently rolled this out and its database includes ALL the species in the world (that we know about, anyway). Explore Species offers up lots of maps, media, and images and is mobile-friendly, too. Its a great complement to the existing Explore Locations tool. Try it!

Take the course to prep for the GBBC!

New! Become an eBird Whiz

The new eBird Essentials course is perfect for new and returning GBBC participants. As you probably know, the GBBC collects its data via the eBird online reporting system. Even if you already use eBird on a regular basis, this course will help you get the most out of the program. Best of all, it doesn't cost a thing! Discover how eBird can make finding, photographing, and sharing birds more enjoyable, and how your observations help scientists understand and protect them, too. Learn more.

Photo Caption: Spring is a great time of year to come in search of these prehistoric giants!

Migratory Waterfowl Ground Census:

Species:	1-6-09	12-12-08	11-26-08	1-17-07
Hooded Merganser	2	2	10	30
Mallard	1315	312	501	1525
American Black Duck	62	20	22	145
Gadwall	310	40	7	385
American Wigeon	840	120	12	136
Green-winged Teal	2964	1020	912	1900
Northern Shoveler	140	10	0	40
Northern Pintail	22	7	0	22
Wood Duck	612	2580	2883	1775
Lesser Scaup	0	20	2	30
Ring-necked Duck	1737	750	330	3950
Canada Goose	1180	710	504	1032
Tundra Swan	0	0	0	4
American Coot	44	85	100	750
Pied-billed Grebe	0	0	0	78
Bufflehead	3	0	8	0
Canvasback	12	0	0	0
Blue-winged Teal	120	0	0	0
Totals	9363	5680	5381	11802

Audubon CBC
https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count

Come walk the nature trails to Indian Mound.

New Binoculars,
thanks to Friends and Santee Cooper.

First visitors to use the new glasses, June 19, 2004.
New Binoculars in place & dedicated Oct 16, 2004.
Visitors have increased 30%.
Thank you Santee Cooper for your donation.

New Exhibit Panels at SC Welcome Center
Two new exhibit panels, the Centennial celebration, and inviting travels to visit near Interstate 95 were erected at the SC Welcome Center

and Rest Area sites just across Lake Marion. The panels which are housed in covered, outdoor kiosks.
Several hundred thousand travelers on I-95 could visit annually.

Find the Driving Trail with the new sign installed by Gene; revised in 2010, look for sign.

Young spring gator seen in 2004.

Map of some of the driving, biking & walking trails

Friends of Nature and Wildlife was organized April, 2002.

Friends greatly appreciate
the Memorial contributions received in honor of Bruce G. Chaney and Peter Reilly 2005.

Return to Friends of Nature and Wildlife Homepage

The Friends of Nature and Wildlife is a non-profit.

Clarendon Murals Home

Webmaster

Last date this page worked on: 05/31/2020

GBBC eNewsletter

Wow, Just Wow!

Canada Rare Sightings

Next GBBC: February 12-15, 2021

Birds Canada Reports

Join Global Big Day

Thank you for participating in GBBC 2020

Siberian Visitor to U.S.

Winter Finch Forecast

Join Project FeederWatch

Climate Watch Survey

The next GBBC is February 14-17, 2020

BirdCount.org

Free Tune-Up for GBBC

We Can All Help Birds

Christmas Bird Count Turns 120!

GBBC eNewsletter

Help Spread the Word!

Explore Species in eBird

The next GBBC is February 15-18, 2019

BirdCount.org

Christmas Bird Count is On!

Download the Slideshow

GBBC eNewsletter

You'd Be Nuts to Miss the GBBC!

Winter Finch Forecast

New! Explore Species Tool

New! Become an eBird Whiz

Next GBBC:
February 12-15, 2021

The next GBBC is
February 15-18, 2019