Skip to main content
Menu Close Menu

Historic Columbia

Donate
  • FAQs
Upcoming Events

Navigation

  • Tours
    • House Tours
      • Robert Mills House and Gardens
      • Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
      • Mann-Simons Site
      • The Museum of the Reconstruction Era
      • Modjeska Monteith Simkins House
    • Walking Tours
    • Garden Tours
      • Garden Database
    • African American History Tours
    • Online Tours
    • Group Tours
      • Group Bus Tours
      • Group House Museum Tours
      • Group Walking Tours
  • Education
    • Field Trips
      • House Tours
    • Traveling Trunks
  • Support
    • Corporate Support
      • Additional Support Opportunities
      • Corporate Membership
      • Program & Event Sponsorship Options
    • Donate
    • Membership
      • Palladium
    • Volunteer
    • Partners and Donors
  • Rent a Venue
    • Gardens of the Hampton-Preston Mansion
    • Seibels House and Garden
    • Robert Mills Carriage House and Gardens
    • Gardens of the Woodrow Wilson Family Home
    • Weddings
    • Photoshoots and Elopements
    • Contact Us
  • Research
    • Abandoned Cultural Property
    • Object Collection
    • Projects and Initiatives
  • Preservation
    • Preservation Awards
    • Preservation Advocacy
    • Resources and Services
    • Economic Impact Study
    • Building Richland County
  • About
    • Blog
    • Board Members
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    • Newsletter
    • Staff Directory

Donate

This event has passed.

Thursday, October 9th

8 — 9 a.m.

Birdwatching in the Gardens

Free | Registration is required

Register Now

Hampton-Preston Garden : 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, 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 25 participants.

  • Parking

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

  • Weather

    This program will not take place if it is raining or if winds exceed 25 MPH. Please check the forecast before arriving. 

    Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Bug spray is recommended during warmer months.

  • 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 

Brooke Flory, Program and Communications Coordinator

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. As the Director of Development for The Big Red Barn Retreat, 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 birdwalksc@gmail.com

 

Birdwatching & Other Garden Events

See All Events

20 Nov

Thursday, November 20th: 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

12 Feb

Thursday, February 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

12 Mar

Thursday, March 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
NTHP Preservation Award Winner
Historic Columbia

© 2025 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.

Newsletter Signup

newsletter signup

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for events, news, and updates from Historic Columbia!

  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Flickr
  • Privacy Policy
Website by Cyberwoven