- This event has passed.
Silver Bluff Sanctuary
December 14, 2019 @ 10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Silver Bluff Center and Sanctuary
Aiken County
Regional Director: Katherine Boyle
On Saturday, December 14th we’ll meet at 10:30 AM at Silver Bluff, an Audubon property in western Aiken County. The preserve encompasses 3,400 acres of ponds, grassy fields, pine woodlands, and forested bottomlands, under the stewardship of Audubon to provide habitat for a diversity of native birds. We’ll have about six miles total of loop trails, plus service roads, to explore on foot. Bicycles are allowed too.
The Audubon trail map shows the ¾-mile Nuthatch Trail and the 2-mile Tanager Trail, which features a short boardwalk into a forested wetland. Newly added and not yet on the map is the 3-mile Quail Trail, starting behind the Education Center and reaching the Savannah River before looping back.
The Quail Trail is a pleasant and easy walk — dry, level, and well-marked, with two or three benches along the way. And yes, I flushed a covey of Bobwhite Quail from a trailside thicket.
Not many plants are in flower at this point in the year, but the grasses (especially Splitbeard, Andropogon ternarius) are in their late-season tufted glory. A number of small birds (species unknown) were darting about in this tall grass, presumably foraging.
The Quail Trail emerges from the woods and fields to meet the Savannah River at Silver Bluff, where river-dwelling birds such as the Kingfisher are sometimes seen flying along the water’s edge looking for fish. The bluff was named for the shiny minerals that can be seen sparkling in the afternoon sun in the exposed soil of the riverbank. While we’re not likely to find any precious metals here, who knows what artifacts, from this historically significant site, might be eroding out of the bluff?
Another birding spot we’ll want to visit is the Wood Stork Pond. This involves a short drive back up Silver Bluff Road, to where the sand surface changes back to pavement (lat/long: 33.33751, -81.84292). Pull off to the right to park.
The Wood Stork, a species federally listed as threatened, and other pond-foraging birds are often seen at this impoundment. Bald Eagles, which are no longer threatened or endangered but always good to see, are believed to have an active nest near here.
Directions to preserve:
From the city of Aiken (junction of US-78 and SC-19):
Head south on Chesterfield St S toward Park Ave SE
(0.3 mi)
Continue onto Whiskey Rd
(1.8 mi)
Turn right after AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care (on the right)
(17.1 mi)
Arrive at Audubon’s Silver Bluff Center and Sanctuary, 4542 Silver Bluff Rd, Jackson, SC 29831
(lat/long: 33.32427, -81.84644)
Amenities: The Visitors Center should be open for our visit, so water and restrooms will be available. Two sheltered picnic areas are nearby.
Dinner:
BBQ Barn
10298 Atomic Rd
North Augusta, SC 29841
Phone: (803) 278-7202
http://www.bbqbarnna.com/index.php
Directions to restaurant:
Head north on Silver Bluff Rd toward State Hwy 32
(4.3 mi)
Turn left onto SC-125 N/Atomic Rd
(11.2 mi)
Arrive at 10298 Atomic Rd, North Augusta, SC 29841, on the left