Nightjar Jaunt at Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

McBee, SC – Grab your binoculars and head to the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) for a nightjar jaunt! What is a nightjar? Nightjars are a group of nocturnal birds known for their vocalizations. They include Whippoorwills, Chuckwills Widows, and Common Nighthawks. Other avian species that we may encounter include owls.

Whether you are a novice wildlife watcher or an experienced birder, this outing offers a fantastic opportunity to explore your national wildlife refuge in the evening twilight! Sponsored by the Friends of Carolina Sandhills NWR, join Dr. Shawn Smolen-Morton for an evening chorus led by nightjars, owls, cicadas, and frogs!

This event is free, but we kindly request pre-registration through EventBrite https://NightjarJauntCSNWR.eventbrite.com by June 5, 2025.

Who: Free, open to the public, preregistration required.

When: Saturday, June 7, 2025, 7:30p.m. until 9:30p.m.

Where: Meet in the refuge office parking lot (23734 US Highway 1, McBee, SC)

What: Be prepared to caravan to several locations with some light walking. Bring water, bug spray, and wear clothing appropriate for weather conditions. Feel free to bring binoculars and a pocket flashlight.

The Friends of Carolina Sandhills NWR is a group of citizens dedicated to supporting the role of the refuge in protecting and preserving the longleaf/wiregrass ecosystem, promoting public enjoyment and responsible use of the refuge, and educating the public concerning wise use of its resources. Located in Chesterfield County, Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is a 46,000-acre wildlife refuge dominated by rolling sand hills and longleaf pine. This ecosystem supports more than 200 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 41 species of reptiles, 25 species of amphibians, and over 1000 plant species.

The refuge is open year-round for wildlife-dependent recreation: thousands of visitors participate in fishing, wildlife observation, hunting, nature photography, hiking and environmental education programs and events.

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