For World-Class Birdwatching, Head To Columbia, South Carolina

While the seaside city of Charleston served as South Carolina’s capital in 1776, the Palmetto State developed plans for a centralized capital shortly after the United States gained independence—and thus, the city of Columbia officially debuted in 1786. Nearly a century later, the city saw total devastation during the Civil War, and in the modern era, Columbia offers a diverse array of attractions spanning from the South Carolina State Museum to the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, with no shortage of fascinating ecotourism destinations located within easy reach of city limits.

For those who prefer to stick close to the downtown area, Columbia’s many rivers and waterways offer prime birdwatching opportunities, with the Saluda Riverwalk serving as one of its most idyllic spots. Located on the edge of the Saluda River, this verdant public preserve comes equipped with a lengthy pedestrian path that’s perfect for scoping out native Palmetto State fauna, with birds like the Louisiana waterthrush, fish crow and green heron making regular appearances. Meanwhile, those wishing to embark on a birdwatching expedition from a unique perspective should be sure to book a day trip with Palmetto Outdoor, a local tour company that offers excursions via inner tube and kayak across Columbia and other nearby attractions. During a foray along the Saluda River, visitors can keep their eyes peeled for a wealth of birds dwelling along the water’s edge, with ample opportunity to spot classic South Carolina creatures like the great blue heron, double-crested cormorant and great egret.

Roughly half an hour southeast of the city center, visiting birders can find a treasure trove of biodiversity throughout Congaree National Park, a verdant preserve that was officially granted federal protection on October 18th, 1976 after a large wave of public support to prevent the logging industry from destroying its native flora. Thanks to the efforts of many South Carolineans, modern-day visitors can marvel at towering water tupelo and bald cypress trees along the boardwalk in the park’s bottomland hardwood forest section, while the upland pine forest is perfect for spotting red crossbills and pileated woodpeckers dwelling within the loblolly pine trees. Today, the park is home to colorful avian species like the summer tanager, blue grosbeak and indigo bunting, while one particularly famous (and likely extinct) bird could once be spotted in the depths of the woods—namely, the ivory-billed woodpecker.

And of course, no wildlife-focused visit to Columbia is complete without catching the annual purple martin migration. Equipped with a glossy coat of iridescent feathers (on the males, at least), these pint-sized passerines spend their breeding season in the eastern reaches of North America, ultimately setting off before winter for the warmer reaches of South America—and one crucial layover in their journey can be found just outside of Columbia in Lake Murray. Each day from June through August, roughly one million individuals congregate around Bomb Island, setting off around sunrise and making their way back to roost by twilight. While visitors are welcome to book a private charter to catch this captivating event, The Spirit of Lake Murray has mastered the art of luxury-focused ecotourism, providing guests with a full service bar, elaborate meals and a two-story viewing platform during their annual Purple Martin Bird Tour.

While Columbia’s human residents have imbued the city with a thriving drinking, dining and outdoor adventure scene, the fauna across Richland County has also cemented the city’s status as one of South Carolina’s most charming tourist destinations. From the tangled depths of Congaree National Park to the shores of Bomb Island, the interior of the Palmetto State offers a truly spectacular array of wildlife to admire—and when it comes to experiencing the splendor of South Carolina’s native bird species in the flesh, it’s tough to find a better destination than Columbia.