a grassy field with trees in the background

Conestee Nature Preserve

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Conestee Nature Preserve is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 228 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, and Hooded Merganser among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

4/18/2026Conestee Nature Preserve1 observed

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

4/18/2026Conestee Nature Preserve1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

4/17/2026Cedar Falls County Park1 observed

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

4/16/2026Ponds at junction of Sally Gilreath Rd / Hayes Rd (Private property - view from road)1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

4/16/2026Brookfield-Rocky Creek, Greenville US-SC (private-no public access)1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

4/14/2026Conestee Nature Preserve1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

4/14/2026Conestee Nature Preserve1 observed

Merlin

Falco columbarius

4/12/2026Tigerville Road

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

4/11/2026Lake Robinson (J Verne Smith Park)7 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

4/10/2026Ponds at junction of Sally Gilreath Rd / Hayes Rd (Private property - view from road)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

44/18/2026

Wood Duck

24/18/2026

Mallard

144/18/2026

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

American Bittern

14/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

24/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

44/18/2026

Barred Owl

14/18/2026

American Crow

24/18/2026

Fish Crow

24/18/2026

Carolina Chickadee

34/18/2026

Brown-headed Nuthatch

14/18/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

24/18/2026

Carolina Wren

44/18/2026

White-throated Sparrow

64/18/2026

Swamp Sparrow

24/18/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

54/18/2026

Pine Warbler

14/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/18/2026

Chimney Swift

14/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Conestee Nature Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Conestee Nature Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Conestee Nature Preserve?
Notable species at Conestee Nature Preserve include Canada Goose, Green-winged Teal, Hooded Merganser, Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, Northern Mockingbird, American Robin, Common Grackle, Red-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Carolina Chickadee, Red-winged Blackbird. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Conestee Nature Preserve?
Birding at Conestee Nature Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Conestee Nature Preserve?
There is no entrance fee at Conestee Nature Preserve. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Conestee Nature Preserve?
Conestee Nature Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.