Wine and Warbler Time at the Francis Beidler Forest!

Prothonotary Warbler -- Star of the show at Wine and Warblers --  Francis Beidler Audubon Swamp -- April 18, 2015

The Charleston area offers numerous wonderful events each Spring but my all-time favorite, not to be missed is Wine and Warblers, a visual feast for the eyes and a delicious treat for the palette, to boot.  This event, a major annual fund raiser for the Francis Beidler Audubon Swamp, showcases the incredible natural beauty of the ancient cypress Four Holes Swamp while treating visitors to a guided tour around the boardwalk with a trained and talented (one of them actually sings on occasion, others can imitate bird calls and all of them truly know their stuff) naturalists who inform you on the secrets of the flora and fauna in this habitat.

Brown Watersnake -- non-venomous -- Wine and Warblers --  Francis Beidler Audubon Swamp -- April 18, 2015

Yes, you may see all kinds of critters -- snakes, turkey, deer!  But you are safe up on the boardwalk from the wilds of the swamp.

A variety of migrating warblers are flying up our coasts going to their nesting grounds and we have the possibility of seeing some of them.  The swamp is an ideal stopover place on the routes north.  But I kid you not -- the favorite of the evening for all -- is our own local, bold Golden Boy songbird -- the Prothonotary Warbler!

Prothonotary Warbler --  Star of the show at Wine and Warblers --  Francis Beidler Audubon Swamp -- April 18, 2015

I understand that there are still spots available for this year's event which also includes a silent auction of fabulous items for any nature lover!  So reserve your spot before they fill up.  All the proceeds go to preserve the swamp habitat and the programs of SC Audubon.  Your belly and soul will both be sated with the bounty of hors-d'oeuvres made by talented chefs and and the beautiful visual feast provided by nature.  And of course you will be serenaded by the Star of the Show -- the handsome Prothonotary!  Come enjoy!

Female Prothonotary with nesting material -- Wine and Warblers --  Francis Beidler Audubon Swamp -- April 18, 2015

Female Prothonotary in nesting cavity -- Wine and Warblers --  Francis Beidler Audubon Swamp -- April 18, 2015