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Songbirds at I'On Swamp, eBird Hotspot #36
I'On Swamp is one of my favorite birding hotspots in Charleston County. This low country wilderness provides undisturbed habitats that attract a diverse population of birds throughout the year. In the spring time there are a variety of colorful songbirds that inhabit this wonderful wilderness.
I’On Swamp is ranked #36 on eBird with 176 bird species recorded.
I set out to explore the I’On Swamp on a warm spring morning. The mosquitos were in full force especially when I dared to enter any wooded areas. This trip was focused on I’On Swamp Road, the I’On Swamp Trail and a portion of Forest Service Road 228-A.
I drove along I’On Swamp Road with the windows open listening for songbirds. I heard birds singing and calling all along the road. I parked near a section of the road that has wetlands on both sides. Walking the road a plethora of songbirds filled the air with beautiful songs. Red-eyed Vireos were singing their whistled four phrased song: here-I-am, in-the-tree, look-up, at-the-top
I could hear several Northern Parulas with their rising buzzy song ending with a sharp note: zeeeee-up
Stunning bright yellow Prothonotary Warblers were singing sweet sweet sweet sweet sweet.
I headed further into I’On Swamp and turned down a forest service road. I heard Northern Cardinals, White-eyed Vireos, Yellow-throated Warblers and Hooded Warblers! The Hooded Warbler prefers the forest undergrowth and breeds in the bottomland hardwood habitat. These magnificent looking warblers have a loud musical song: wheeta, wheeta, wheet’eo.
I made it to the I’On Swamp Trail continuing to look for more wonderful birds. As soon as I stepped out of the car and I could hear the familiar song of another very cool warbler. The Ovenbird sings a loud teacher, teacher, teacher. These attractive warblers are white underneath with dark brown streaks, they have an olive back and a rufous crown-patch on their forehead. And if you are curious about why they are called ovenbirds they make a covered nest with a side opening that looks like an old fashion oven.
I entered the trail and continued to hear a variety of songbirds singing away. Listen to the wonderful bird ensemble below.
I spotted another captivating Prothonotary Warbler singing high in the tree canopy. Two Red-eyed Vireos flew to a nearby branch offering a closer look. Further down the trail a large brown bird was flushed by a group of hikers and perched in a perfect viewing spot. It was a Barred Owl! The Owl was weary of the group walking down the trail and eventually flew off into the wilderness.
I walked the 2-mile picturesque loop of the I’On Swamp Trail. Throughout the walk I could hear numerous Prothonotary Warblers, Northern Parulas, Red-eyed Vireos, and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers.
It was a wonderful trip finding 7 Warbler species, 3 Woodpecker species, 2 Vireo species and a Barred Owl! If you haven't visited the I'On Swamp Trail I would definitely recommend a visit, it is not just for birders but for anyone that loves the outdoors!
The day yielded 28 bird species in 2 hours 33 minutes. I covered 7.31 miles by car and foot. eBird Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S132978406
Happy Birding!
-Charles
I'On Swamp Trail Sign Deciduous Trees I'On Swamp I'On Swamp I'On Swamp I'On Swamp Trailhead Hooded Warbler Hooded Warbler Hooded Warbler Hooded Warbler Hooded Warbler Hooded Warbler I'On Swamp Trail Map I'On Swamp Trail I'On Swamp Trail Prothonotary Warbler Prothonotary Warbler Prothonotary Warbler Prothonotary Warbler Prothonotary Warbler Prothonotary Warbler Red-eyed Vireo Red-eyed Vireo Hermit Thrush I'On Swamp Barred Owl I'On Swamp Barred Owl I'On Swamp Barred Owl Tree Canopy Canal on I'On Swamp Trail I'On Swamp I'On Swamp Downy Woodpecker Canal on I'On Swamp Trail Walkway through I'On Swamp Walkway through I'On Swamp Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
