Bird Facts: Phillip Guyton

BIRD FACTS

To many, a favorite of spring is being able to step outdoors to the soft chatter of birds perched in nearby trees. Seeing these sometimes colorful and often dull-coated flyers, it’s an instinct to wonder which bird it is. As of 2019, the South Carolina Bird Records Committee of the Carolina Bird Club documented 431 bird species in South Carolina. Phillip Guyton captured photographs of several of these local bird species and gave some information on them to help you better identify them this spring.

Info & photos provided by Phillip Guyton, True Light Photography

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum - This one was photographed at the City Center Farmers Market in Florence. They are usually seen in flocks and love berries.

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis - Usually seen in pairs or small groups near dense cover and forest edges, they will visit bird feeders and have a metallic chirp as well as a loud whistle.

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa - Males show off stunning patterns of colors, females are gray-brown with thin white eyerings. They are smaller than other ducks in the area and are quick to flush. Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter is an excellent spot to observe them.

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias - You can see these in almost any area with fish. I spot them in the swamps, on Forest Lake, and in many of the small ponds in the area.

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus - These are found near bodies of water, it's a scavenger, the white head doesn't fully come in for a few years after they are born.

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula - The males have a stunning bright orange body with a black head. They like nectar, fruits, and jellies. Myrtle Beach State Park is my favorite location to spot them while they are here, typically September through May.

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus - This is a huge woodpecker found in the local woods. If you hear construction work in the middle of a swamp, it's probably one of these. They have a very loud clucking call. I'm always surprised at how big they are.

Barred Owl

Strix varia - This is who is yelling “Who cooks for you?" at you from the depths of the woods, often near water or clearings where you might easily see a scurrying rodent. It is more active at night but is more active in daytime hours than many other owls.

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja - Unique pink bird with a spoon-shaped bill. They can be found wading through both fresh and saltwater. They can usually be found in South Carolina between June and November. Huntington Beach State Park is my favorite location to spot them.

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus - The smaller of the two most common hawks in our area, they prefer to perch on wires more than the Red-tailed Hawk. The Rail Trail System in Florence is a fantastic spot for finding them. It's rare that I don't finish a walk without seeing at least one.

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris - This is one of the most amazing birds to view. They look like little living rainbows. They breed in Georgia and South Carolina and migrate to Florida and the Caribbean for the winter. My favorite spots to view them are along the shores of Lake Marion and Huntington Beach State Park. They are usually seen starting in late April until the weather gets cold.

Red-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris - This is a small bird with an amazing ability to hover midair. Extremely fast and easy to attract in our area with sugar water (1 part sugar with 4 parts water) or flower gardens. Moore Farms Botanical Gardens is one of my favorite locations to visit that usually has legions of them.