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This event has passed.

Wednesday, April 2nd

12 — 1 p.m.

Knowledge at Noon | Spring Migration

Free

Zoom Link

Virtual

Spring Migration: Identifying South Carolina's Most Colorful Warblers

Join local birder and HC volunteer John Tjaarda as he discusses how to identify some common warblers that will be migrating through Columbia on their journey north to nest in late April and early May. Warblers are some of the brightest, most colorful, and smallest songbirds that nature has to offer. Tjaarda will show attendees what these birds look and sound like, where to find them, and how to potentially attract some to their yards this spring.

About John Tjaarda

Photo of John Tjaarda

As HC’s "Resident Bird Nerd,” John Tjaarda leads the organization’s monthly Birdwatching in the Gardens program. 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

About Knowledge at Noon

Knowledge at Noon provides fresh perspectives on Columbia’s rich history. This monthly virtual series delves into diverse topics such as archaeology and women's history, featuring Historic Columbia staff and local experts. Each session includes a forty-five-minute presentation followed by a Q-and-A. Attendance is free, but registration is required to receive the meeting link.

Knowledge at Noon logo
  • Tickets

    This program is free and will take place virtually. A meeting link will be sent to all registered attendees 24 hours before the program.

  • Contact Us

    reservations@historiccolumbia.org
    (803) 252-7742 ext. 23

Upcoming Birdwatching and Other Garden Events

See All Events

08 Aug

Saturday, August 8th: 10 — 11 a.m.

Tree Trek

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!

Learn More

13 Aug

Thursday, August 13th: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

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.

Learn More

10 Sep

Thursday, September 10th: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

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.

Learn More

24 Sep

Thursday, September 24th: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

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.

Learn More

29 Sep

A group of people sitting in chairs or on blankets on a lawn listening to musicians perform. There are trees and a large historic house in the background.

Tuesday, September 29th: 5 — 7 p.m.

Concert in the Gardens

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 showcase Oktoberfest-inspired musical selections, highlighting the spirited melodies and musical traditions of Germany and Central Europe. Please plan to arrive any time after 5:00 p.m...

Learn More

08 Oct

Thursday, October 8th: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

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.

Learn More

22 Oct

Thursday, October 22nd: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

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.

Learn More

12 Nov

Thursday, November 12th: 8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

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.

Learn More
NTHP Preservation Award Winner
Historic Columbia

© 2026 Historic Columbia

Administrative Offices
1601 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201

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

Questions? Call (803) 252-7742.

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