Whether you’re a “wake up to the sound of birds” type, or a “please be quiet I’m trying to sleep” type, we’re all getting a new soundtrack to our South Carolina mornings.
Here’s the pitch: Imagine getting out of bed in the morning, sitting out on the patio, or going for a stroll along the river walk. Instead of just a bunch of noise, you hear the songs of the Carolina Wren aka the “Mouth of the South” or the soft warble of the Eastern Bluebird. You could even learn their colors, habits, and favorite foods. The upshot: you should really get into birdwatching.
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You could wing it, or…
A little bit of preparation goes a long way — i.e., you don’t need to drop your tax return on binocs (although it couldn’t hurt to look). What might help: -
A field guide. Instead of trying to name them all on your own, bring a physical guide like Birds of the Central Carolinas or an app like Merlin. If you bring your favorite local newsletter too, we wouldn’t object.
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Bird food. A backyard or window feeder brings the birds to you. Try Wingard’s Market located at 1403 North Lake Dr.
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Your new best birdie. Local experts + hobbyists would love to show you the ropes. Link up with Columbia Audubon Society or join a bird walk at Congaree National Park so you don’t fly solo.
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The Carolina Wren is SC's state bird and is common across the Eastern US. | Photo via Wikicommons |
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Meet the stars of the show
American Robin |📍 Woodlands, suburban backyards, and grasslands with shrubs | All year | Song
Carolina Wren |📍 Brushy thickets, swamps, and ravines | All year | Song
Indigo Bunting |📍 Brushy forest edges, open woods, and farmland | Spring, summer, and early fall | Song |
Birds of a feather watch together, so use the buttons below to hit the trails in V formation. |
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Can you name the bird from its bird song? |
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Click HERE to have your event featured |
Today -
Dance Nation | Thurs., May 12-Sat., May 14 | 8 p.m. | Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St. | $23+ | Catch the Southeastern premiere of this award-winning show featuring an army of pre-teen competitive dancers — use code BOGO for 50% off your second ticket. 💃
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Blue Man Group | Thurs., May 12 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $45+ | This even features original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction + hilarious absurdity. 🥁
Friday - Goin' South | Fri., May 13 | 7-10 p.m. | Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 Main St. | $25+ | Proceeds will benefit The Christopher Conner Foundation to provide educational scholarships and need-based financial aid for SC musicians + their families. 🎸
- Kokedama Workshop | Fri., May 13 | 6:30-8 p.m. | PlantHouse Columbia, 702 Cross Hill Rd. | $25 | The crew will share the history of kokedamas and instruct guests on how to create their own.
LIT at Savage Craft with Tuk Smith + The Restless Hearts | Fri., May 13 | 6-10 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia | $15 | Savage Craft welcomes the band Lit to the Savage Craft biergarten — tickets on sale now.*
Saturday - Are You OK Brother? (Mental Health Workshop) | Sat., May 14 | 12-2 p.m. | 2611 Grant St. | Free | A workshop to practice mindfulness to help with anxiety + anger management.
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Barking Lot Pawty | Sat., May 14 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Modern Companion, 508 B Lexington Ave. | Free | Dog friendly vendors, photo opportunities, giveaway baskets + more will all be available 🐾
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"Yogi's With Strings Attached" | Sat., May 14 | 7 a.m.-1 p.m. | Meadowlake Park, 600 Beckman Rd. | $45 | Presented by the Palmetto Children’s Shelter, this wellness event is open to yoga lovers of all abilities.
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We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends. |
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Delta-9 is federally legal when extracted from hemp and appears in a concentration no greater than 0.3% by dry weight. | Photo provided by Hometown Hero | |
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Number: 50. The number of states where hemp-derived THC gummies are legal. Yes, you read that right.
If you struggle to keep up with the status of cannabis, we recently published an explainer with help from the experts at Hometown Hero. Give it a read, then, if you're intrigued, get more info about safety from our friends at Hometown Hero, who are offering free (and completely legal) samples of Delta-9 THC gummies.*
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Please note: Hometown Hero advises consumers to read their terms & conditions, consult their physician before trying their products, start only with small amounts, and to not consume Delta-9 before driving or before a drug test. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by COLAtoday.
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Weather - 74º | p.m. showers | 46% chance of rain ⛅
Development -
The Bojangles in Cross Hill Market (4301 Fort Jackson Blvd.) is set to be demolished and rebuilt as a larger Bojangles with an expanded drive through. The reconstructed restaurant will include an outdoor dining area and construction dates have not been announced. 🚧 (The Post and Courier)
Open -
Soda City Pharmacy and Compounding celebrated its grand opening at 380 St. Andrews Rd., next door to Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. The independent community pharmacy, which has the ability to compound tailored prescriptions, is owned by local pharmacist Tremain Cooper. (The Post and Courier)
Eat -
27 Pancakes Breakfast + Brunch Truck is saying farewell to Columbia. The food truck business announced yesterday it will be moving operations to Charlotte, NC due to its abundant growth. Don’t flip, though. The business also announced weekly deliveries to Columbia + its homemade batter will be available for purchase. 🥞
Outdoors -
The fireflies in the Congaree National Park showcase synchronized glow patterns for a few weeks every spring, and the Vista Guild invites you to celebrate the local event on Fri., May 20 and Sat., May 21. Viewing is limited to 120 vehicles per night + tickets are available through a lottery system.
History -
As if Elgin could get any more mysterious lately, a team of researchers led by former UofSC archeologist Christopher Moore, believe they’ve found signs supporting an extinction theory at the bottom of White Pond in Elgin. Evidence in the sediment suggests an asteroid or comet could have exploded over Kershaw County around 13,000 years ago. ☄️ (WLTX)
Sports -
USC Upstate defeated the Gamecocks baseball team 9-6 in their midweek matchup at Founders Park. The win was USC Upstate’s first victory against the Gamecocks in school history. Next up, the team takes on Kentucky during the upcoming weekend series. Grab your tickets here. ⚾ (The State)
Community -
Saturday marks the return of The Chapin Downtown Farmer’s Market. It will take place every first Saturday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m at the 100 block of Clark Street. Local vendors + artisans will sell fresh produce, handmade jewelry, and meat products. 🥕 (Cola Daily)
Volunteer -
The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers in Columbia. Available positions include Disaster Action Team Members, Blood Donor Ambassadors and Blood Transportation Specialists. Check here for more information on these roles + how to apply. 🏥
Job Wellness -
Have loose jowls? If you’re looking for smoother, firmer skin on your neck and jawline without resorting to cosmetic modification or expensive skincare products, this simple DIY technique (pioneered by world-renowned Hollywood plastic surgeon Dr. Layke) just might do the trick.*
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Content marked with a * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free. |
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Ever dream of opening a local café? Richland County Library Café located inside the main location is now accepting applicants for a new tenant. The library will accept proposals from “well-qualified food service operators” through 12 p.m. on Fri., May 20. |
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Editor's pick: There are still a few tickets left to see Blue Man Group tonight at the Koger Center, which I hear is an amazing live show. DYK — before his time on Saturday Night Live and Portlandia, Fred Armisen was a drummer of Blue Man Group in Chicago? Missed yesterday's newsletter? See how you can lend a helping hand throughout the Midlands to improve the quality of life for your community. |
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