Birds

Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus).

Volunteer Rusty Wilson

Ninety Six National Historic Site is located within the Southern Piedmont region of South Carolina. The park protects a diverse variety of habitats including: riparian / bottomland hardwood forest, mesic-mixed hardwood forest, oak-hickory forest, mixed pine hardwood forest, pine plantation, agricultural fields /maintained grassy areas and a small lake and its associated wetland. Such a diverse variety of habitats allow for a great diversity of birds to inhabit Ninety Six. It is also helpful that the overall unit is not fragmented and that the diversity of habitat types present are still in a relatively natural state.

Birds are a significant part of our nation's natural heritage as well as an important component of the fauna of our nation's natural areas. Bird species play a vital role in the complex functioning of our natural world. The presence or absence of some specific bird species or species assemblages within particular natural communities can be an indicator of the overall ecological health of these communities.

From 2004-2006 a total of 137 species of birds were documented within the boundaries of Ninety Six National Historic Site. Thirty-one of them are birds of conservation concern.

Breeding seasons:

A total of 64 species were documented during the breeding seasons. An extra 7 species were recorded as incidental species detections for a total of 72 species.The five most widely distributed species were Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinal, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-eyed Vireo, and Tufted Titmouse. Other widely distributed species are American Crow, Northern Parula, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Acadian Flycatcher, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.Other species found include American Robin, Barred Owl, Black Vulture, Brown Thrasher, Chimney Swift, Common Yellowthroat, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe, Green Heron, Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Mockingbird, Ovenbird, Swainson's Warbler, Wild Turkey, Wood Duck, and Yellow-breasted Chat.

Winter season:

A total of 49 species were documented during the winter surveys. Many of these were waterbirds and waterfowl found at the Star Fort Pond. Raptors such as Red-shouldered Hawks, Red-tailed Hawks, and Black Vultures and Turkey Vultures were found soaring over the forest and hunting or scavenging the fields. American Crows and Blue Jays were numerous as well. Wild TurkeyDuring the winter many species were found in mixed groups. These groups often included Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Golden-crowned and Ruby Crowned Kinglets, and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Other common species recorded were Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, Cedar Waxwing, and Carolina Wren. In addition, seven species of woodpeckers were regularly found during the winter. Mixed sparrow flocks made up predominately of White-throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and Eastern Towhee were common throughout brushy areas.

 

Turkeys

NPS

Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

Diet: Tend to eat leaves, grasses, berries, seeds, insects, and fruits.
Lifespan: wild turkey’s can live up to 5 years, domestic turkeys live for up to 10 years.
Habitat: Hardwood forests.Where to find: Forest edges, especially ones with nut-bearing trees such as oak and hickory.
Season of Sight: Fall and Spring.
Breeding Season: Late Spring and Early Summer (Mid-March until June).
Fun Fact: Their poop determines if they are male or female! Male droppings are J shaped while female droppings are spiral shaped and the larger in diameter the dropping the older the bird.

 

Green Heron

NPS/VIP Rusty Wilson

Green Heron (Butorides virescens)

Diet: Mostly fish, crayfish, aquatic insects, frogs, and tadpoles.
Lifespan: up to 8 years.Habitat: Lakes, ponds, marshes, swamps, and streamside.
Where to find: Mostly found around small bodies of fresh water, especially when lined with trees, shrubs, and tall march vegetation.
Season of Sight: Spring and Summer.
Breeding Season: March through July.Fun Fact: Green Heron is one of the only tool-using birds.

 

Osprey

NPS/VIP Rusty Wilson

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Diet: Entirely fish, sometimes small mammals, birds, or reptiles.
Lifespan: 7-10 years.
Habitat: River, Lakes, coast.
Where to find: Near water either fresh or salt where large numbers of fish are present.
Season of Sight: Spring and summer.
Breeding Season: AprilFun Fact: Osprey breed in monogamous pairs.

 

Cedar Waxwing

NPS/VIP Rusty Wilson

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

Diet: Mostly berries and insects.
Lifespan: up to 8 years
Habitat: Open woodlands, fruiting trees, and orchards.
Where to find: Low in berry bushes, high in evergreens, or along rivers and over ponds.
Season of Sight: September/October to April/May
Breeding Season: June through August.
Fun Fact: One of the few North American birds that specializes in eating fruit.

 

Birdwatching

Birdwatchers can see different species throughout the park. With a verity of habitats; from a pond and creakes to meddows and hardwood forest, there are lots of oppertunities to find your favorite bird.
The below albums will help you identify birds you may see during your visit.(They are a work in prgoress. A new photo with information will be added to one of the albums each week.)