Lake Conestee Birding Showcased on SCETV Radio and on Web

Dr. Drew Lanham of the Clemson University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources recorded his radio program at Lake Conestee in early December.  This program is part of a regular series by Clemson’s “Your Day” program focusing on the outdoors recreational resources of South Carolina and broadcast by SCETV radio affiliates.  Dr. Lanham, a Certified Wildlife Biologist and an accomplished naturalist, was accompanied by producer Bob McAnaly.

Birding at LCNP on an icy morning. L to R Jane Kramer, Bob McAnaly, Dr. Drew Lanham, Paul Serridge (behind Drew), and Don Faulkner.

The program was recorded along the trails, boardwalks, and wetland observation decks of LCNP on a crisp 18°F morning, when most of the waters and wetlands of the park were iced over.  Drew was joined by Paul Serridge, Don Faulkner, and Jane Kramer of the Greenville County Birding Club, and Dave Hargett, Executive Director of the Conestee Foundation.  Most of the program was recorded at the East Bay and West Bay observation decks.

It was an excellent birding morning with some 40+ species providing great bird sights and sounds.  We had several unique sightings, including Rusty Blackbirds, of course, waterfowl, raptors, and piscavores.  And, of course, great “birdy” discussion.  The program addressed the “Important Bird Area” program and LCNP’s recent recognition as an IBA of “Global Significance”.  On our way across the park we saw deer and jumped wood ducks.  Once at the West Bay we found the entire wetland iced-over, and both large beaver pools frozen solid but the area still very “birdy”.

The program aired on 28 December and Dr. Lanham and the “Your Day” folks ran a full 54 minute program.  You can tune in to the podcast and download the MP3 program at the following link.

Related note:  Dr. Lanham is also one of our special “Habitat Improvement Advisors” to CF/LCNP.  And, he routinely brings student groups to LCNP from Clemson, one of the many benefits to the Upstate region of our special wild place.

Thanks to our friends at Clemson for giving our avian resources at LCNP this great exposure!  Thanks, Drew !

Listen to the Your Day podcast from LCNP at the link below:

http://cufan.clemson.edu/psaradiopod/YDPodcast/YD101228.mp3

http://yourday.clemson.edu/