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The Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens is closed on Sunday, May 18. All other sites and tours will run as scheduled, including Free Sunday at the Museum of the Reconstruction Era.

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This event has passed.

Thursday, April 11th

8 — 10 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

Sold Out!

Hampton-Preston Garden : 1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Updated 4/10: Due to the threat of inclement weather, this Birdwatching in the Gardens has been moved to Tuesday, April 16. All registered attendees will receive an email regarding this change.

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, participants will learn how to identify birds by sight, sound, and behavior.

Please meet at the front gate of the Hampton-Preston Mansion Gardens, located on Blanding Street. Binoculars are highly recommended but not required.

  • Tickets

    The bird walk is free, however, registration is required. This event is capped at 20 participants.

  • Parking

    There is free street parking located around the Hampton-Preston Mansion. Please obey all posted parking signs.

  • Weather

    Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Registered attendees will be notified via email if the event is cancelled due to inclement weather, such as high winds or rain. 

  • Cancellations

    If you are unable to attend, we ask that you reach out prior to the event so that we may open additional spots to those on the waitlist.

Questions?

Contact Us: 

Jake Armstrong, Gardener

(803) 252-7742 ext. 27

About John Tjaarda

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.

 

Birdwatching & Other Garden Events

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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...

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12 Jun

Thursday, June 12th: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

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...

Learn More
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Historic Columbia

© 2025 Historic Columbia

Administrative Offices
1601 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Tours
All historic house and garden tours start at the Gift Shop at Robert Mills.
1616 Blanding Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Questions? Call (803) 252-7742.

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