When I signed up for “Birdwatching in the Gardens” with Historic Columbia, I didn’t expect my last name to come with a warning. Guide John Tjaarda let me know that in the birding world, a “stringer” is someone who fakes rare bird sightings. Not exactly the reputation I was hoping for.

Thankfully, John tracked everything we saw in real time using the eBird app — so there’s a verifiable list of the 20 species we spotted, from curious Catbirds overhead to a passing Cape May Warbler.

The walk covered more than birds. We learned about the history of house sparrows (blame a Shakespeare fan), the role of dull-colored female birds, and how chimney swifts spend almost their entire lives in flight. It made for an engaging mix of science, storytelling, and springtime observation.

We didn’t cover much ground — as John put it, “you never leave the birds” — and we were in luck, since many of the ones we spotted are only around for a few weeks. They’re migrating through on their way North, stopping just long enough to rest and fuel up on insects.

Historic Columbia’s birdwatching walks continue through June 12 before taking a break for the summer. You don’t need to be a seasoned birder to join in — just a good pair of binoculars and a little curiosity.

And the loudest bird in the garden? No contest — the Carolina Wren. Small bird, huge voice.