10 Great Places to Experience Spring on the Wing

In case you missed it, USA Today printed an article entitled "10 great places to experience spring on the wing," in which John Flicker, president of the National Audubon Society shared his favorite birding spots. The Audubon Center at the Francis Beidler Forest made the list!

Francis Beidler Forest Sanctuary Harleyville, S.C.
Located in the heart of South Carolina's Low Country between Columbia and Charleston, this sanctuary sprawls over 15,000 acres of swamp forest, some of which is old growth that's more than 1,000 years old. "A 1.75-mile boardwalk takes visitors into a virtual cathedral of ancient cypress trees, a truly spectacular setting," Flicker says. "Birds are everywhere in the spring, with tiny warblers singing their insistent songs, and owls calling out even in midday." Guided night walks and canoe trips are also available. 843-462-2150; sc.audubon.org/centers_fbf.html

We couldn't have said it better! Today, Jeff Mollenhauer, director of bird conservation, took the image of a male Prothonotary Warbler shown at the right. In fact, it landed next to him on the boardwalk handrail oblivious to his presence as it advertised its territory and availability! Participants in the 2008 Audubon South Carolina Nature Photography Contest have already taken some outstanding images of Barred Owls, River Otters, Yellow-crowned Night Herons, a variety of woodpeckers and Easter Lillies. The contest runs until August 15th. Images need to be taken at the Audubon Centers at Francis Beidler Forest or Silver Bluff. You can find the entry form here and a copy of the rules here. The winning images from the 2007 contest can be seen here.