State Museum to host Flock Fest on Saturday, March 21st

The day-long event will feature gallery tours, birding opportunities and programs presented in partnership with organizations from across the state. 

The South Carolina State Museum will host Flock Fest, a day-long celebration of birds and birding, on Saturday, March 21, from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The event will feature hands-on activities, gallery tours, birding opportunities and educational programs presented in partnership with organizations from across South Carolina.

“Flock Fest is an ornithological celebration of bird science, conservation and connections to the heritage and natural beauty of our state,” said SCSM Curator of Natural History Dr. Scott Persons. “In our galleries, guests can explore the link between modern birds and dinosaurs, and they can head outside to participate in our birding efforts. My hope for this event is to spark fascination with the natural world in a way that is accessible and engaging for all ages.”

The day will kick off with an “Early Birding” morning program just for museum members, and then museum guests will have time to explore the new exhibitions, South Carolina Wings of Wonder and Bird Photographer of the Year.  Guests can also join a gallery tour led by State Museum curatorial staff, participate in the museum’s iNaturalist Birding Challenge and learn tips and techniques for bird photography. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with community partners to discover birding and other outdoor recreation opportunities in their area.

Throughout the day, guests can shop for new bird-themed merchandise in the Museum Store and enjoy food trucks offering lunch and snacks for purchase.

Access to Flock Fest is included with general museum admission or membership. For more information on Flock Fest, visit scmuseum.org.

Flock Fest Schedule:

8:30 a.m. | Early Morning Birding for Members

10:30 a.m. | iNaturalist presentation with Grant Foster from USC Biology

11:15 a.m. | “Dinosaur & Bird Connections” presentation with SCSM Curator of Natural History Dr. Scott Persons

12 p.m. | South Carolina Wings of Wonder gallery tour led by Dr. Scott Persons

1 p.m. | “Bird Friendly Backyards and Native Plants” presentation by Jennifer Tyrrell of Audubon

2 p.m. | Bird Photography presentation by Don Wuori of Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association (CNPA)

3 p.m. | Live Raptor experience with Avian Conservation Center

About the South Carolina State Museum

Since opening in 1988, the South Carolina State Museum has been committed to collecting, preserving and showcasing the rich culture, art, natural history, technology and innovation of the Palmetto State. Through a comprehensive collection of over 1.1 million objects and four floors of stimulating exhibitions and displays housed within the historic Columbia Mills Building, the State Museum provides educational environments that entertain, inspire and enrich the lives of millions of visitors and students from across South Carolina. For more information about the museum, visit scmuseum.org.