Thursday, September 10th
Birdwatching in the Gardens
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Join HC for
Birdwatching in the Gardens
Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia's gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Throughout the year, more than 100 species of resident and migratory birds can be spotted here, making it one of Columbia's hidden gems for birdwatching. Along the way, you'll learn how to identify birds by sight, sound, and behavior while exploring the beauty of the historic gardens.
Birdwatching in the Gardens are free events, however, registration is required. See individual event listings for full details.
Learn about Warblers
Discover how to bring vibrant feathered friends to your backyard! In this webinar, John Tjaarda shares tips on attracting these colorful creatures and enjoying their beauty up close.
About John Tjaarda
As HC’s "Resident Bird Nerd,” John Tjaarda leads the organization’s monthly Birdwatching in the Gardens program. As the Director of Development and Communications for The Free Medical Clinic, 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
Upcoming Birdwatching & Other Garden Events
See All Events10 Sep
Thursday, September 10th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia's gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
24 Sep
Thursday, September 24th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia's gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
29 Sep
Tuesday, September 29th: 5 — 7 p.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Update September 3: Pre-sale tickets are sold out! In the event of favorable weather, additional tickets will go on sale the week of the event and be available for purchase at the gate. Email us to join the waitlist for tickets! Performers from the South Carolina Philharmonic will join Historic...
08 Oct
Thursday, October 8th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia's gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
09 Oct
Friday, October 9th: 10 a.m. — 4 p.m.
1615 Blanding St., Columbia, SC 29201
Join us in the lush gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion for the 2026 Fall 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 including heirloom flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and perennials, all grown...
10 Oct
Saturday, October 10th: 8 a.m. — 4 p.m.
1615 Blanding St., Columbia, SC 29201
Join us in the lush gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion for the 2026 Fall 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 including heirloom flowers, shrubs, vegetables, and perennials, all grown...
10 Oct
Saturday, October 10th: 8 — 9 a.m.
Family Birdwatching in the Gardens
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Bring the whole family for a special birdwatching adventure during Historic Columbia's Fall Plant Sale! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a fun, guided exploration of the Hampton-Preston Gardens as you discover the resident and migratory birds that call Columbia home. Participants will...
22 Oct
Thursday, October 22nd: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia's gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
27 Oct
Tuesday, October 27th: 5 — 7 p.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Performers from the South Carolina Philharmonic will join Historic Columbia for an enchanting outdoor concert in the gardens at the Hampton-Preston Mansion. This program will feature The Honeymeads, a Charleston-based Americana duo whose rich harmonies, guitar, and fiddle bring together beloved folk and roots classics with original songs. Please plan...
12 Nov
Thursday, November 12th: 8 — 9 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Discover the birds that call Historic Columbia's gardens home! Join local birder John Tjaarda and Historic Columbia Assistant Horticulturalist Jake Armstrong for a guided bird walk through the Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion.
12 Nov
Thursday, November 12th: 11 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Community Scanning Day: Cotton Mill District
701 Whaley Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Join Richland Library and Historic Columbia for their inaugural community scanning day on November 12, 2026, at 701 Whaley.
14 Nov
Saturday, November 14th: 10 — 11 a.m.
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Join Chris Mathis, Horticulture Manager at Historic Columbia, on a guided tour of the diverse tree collection in the lush gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion and the Robert Mills House. Tree treks are open to all nature lovers, whether you're a seasoned arborist or just tree-curious!
15 Dec
Tuesday, December 15th: 5 — 7 p.m.
Holiday Concert in the Gardens
1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Performers from the South Carolina Philharmonic will join Historic Columbia for an intimate holiday concert in the greenhouse of the Boyd Foundation Horticultural Center, located on the grounds of the Hampton-Preston Mansion. This special strings performance will fill the beautiful garden setting with beloved holiday favorites, creating a warm and...
Birding Blogs
Soaring to New Heights
In January 2024, Historic Columbia introduced its Birdwatching in the Gardens program—a monthly bird walk that has taken flight as a standout success during its first year. Typically held on the second Thursday of each month in the lush gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion, this free, guided program offers participants...