Discover the Beauty of Nature with Birding Tours at Magnolia
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is pleased to announce the return of its birding tours, which are suitable for both beginner and intermediate birders. Participants will have the opportunity to observe a variety of resident and migrating birds, including species such as Anhinga, herons, ibis, ducks, hawks, owls, Wood Storks, vireos, warblers, buntings, orioles, and the Bald Eagle. Magnolia features one of the largest and most accessible heron rookeries in the state, providing excellent opportunities to observe bird behavior.
Magnolia’s diverse habitats—comprising swamps, ponds, mixed pine and hardwood forests, and the Ashley River—make it an ideal location for birding enthusiasts. To date, 268 bird species have been reported at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens and the Audubon Swamp, as documented in eBird. The site also has a rich birding history, with John J. Audubon having visited in the early 1800s, and the Magnolia House showcasing Audubon prints and paintings from local artists.
The birding tours will begin at the Historic Cabins every other Saturday at 8:30 a.m., from September 20th through November 1st. Each session lasts approximately two hours and includes garden admission and expert guidance from Robert Heise.
About Your Guide Robert
Robert Heise has been birding across North America for 40 years studying bird identification and migration. What started as a simple hobby became a lifelong passion, creating over 500 checklists that include 600+ bird species. He has gained certification from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and participated in county and state bird census and multiple Christmas Bird Counts. He has been a birding interpreter leading field trips and implementing educational workshops, including Enchanted Rock State Park in Texas. He currently lives in Summerville, SC, where he leads a local bird club.
