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

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

3/6/2026808 Spring St, Greenville US-SC (34.8316,-82.4121)1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/6/2026Little Swamp Hollow2 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

3/4/2026Enoree Field (private)1 observed

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

3/3/2026Conestee Nature Preserve1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

3/3/2026Conestee Nature Preserve1 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

3/3/2026Conestee Nature Preserve1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

2/28/2026Feeders At Kitchen Windows1 observed

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

2/27/2026My yard Simpsonville, SC 296814 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

2/26/20262204 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, South Carolina, US (34.819, -82.254)2 observed

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

2/24/2026432 Little Pond Rd, Easley US-SC 34.95093, -82.578982 observed

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

2/22/2026Heritage Lakes Private Property2 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

2/22/2026Conestee Nature Preserve3 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

2/21/2026146 Lake Lyman Heights, Lyman US-SC 35.00113, -82.197471 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

2/21/202622–40 Spanco Dr, Greenville US-SC 34.76993, -82.349401 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

103/6/2026

Wood Duck

13/6/2026

Mallard

13/6/2026

Mourning Dove

53/6/2026

Killdeer

23/6/2026

Great Egret

23/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

43/6/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Eastern Phoebe

13/6/2026

Fish Crow

13/6/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/6/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/6/2026

Carolina Wren

43/6/2026

Eastern Bluebird

33/6/2026

American Robin

23/6/2026

White-throated Sparrow

43/6/2026

Song Sparrow

33/6/2026

Eastern Towhee

23/6/2026

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.