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Thursday, April 18th
8 — 10 a.m.
Birdwatching in the Gardens | Migration Season
Hampton-Preston Garden : 1615 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201
For Bird Watchers, late April through early May is one of the most exciting times of the year. Spring migration brings tons of warblers, vireos, flycatchers, and more species that we don’t normally see through South Carolina on their way north to their breeding grounds. Hopefully, some of these birds will take a rest on their mammoth journey here on our many Historic Columbia properties. Join John Tjaarda for a couple extra special walks during spring migration as we try to find these loving jewels.
Grab your binoculars for a free, guided bird walk around the Hampton-Preston Gardens, and learn how to identify birds by sight, sound, and behavior. Following the birdwatching, attendees will receive a list of the birds seen during the walk. If you want to track birds alongside our guide, we recommend downloading the free eBird app. Historic Columbia is working to be recognized as a birding hot spot, and your contributions through eBird will help us achieve this goal!
Binoculars are highly recommended but not required.
Please meet at the front gate of the Hampton-Preston Mansion Gardens, located on Blanding Street.
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
See All Events09 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
UPDATE AS OF OCT. 8, 2026: Due to anticipated inclement weather, Family Birdwatching in the Gardens has been canceled. All registrants will receive a full refund to their original method of payment, and no action is needed to request a refund. We apologize for any inconvenience, appreciate your understanding, and...
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
Update October 7: 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...
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...
11 Feb
Thursday, February 11th: 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.