Birdwatching is among the most rewarding activities. Each year thousands of folks travel to South Carolina to catch a glimpse of some of the state’s most precious bird species in their natural habitat, including our national bird, the bald eagle. And while there are no trophies, cash prizes, or hard-and fast rules to the activity, simply enjoying the scenery as you scout for prized bird sightings is all the reward bird enthusiasts need. If you love birdwatching, it doesn’t get any better than these five best birdwatching spots in South Carolina.
Bird populations change with the seasons, so your best shot at viewing the largest variety falls into the migratory and winter months. Look for bald eagles around the lake in the winter months. Fall through spring typically provide a variety of waterfowl, while the spring features nesting birds like warblers, wood duck, and wild turkey. Painted buntings are a true gem to see in the grassy areas during the spring through late summer months. Overall, there are nearly 300 species of birds that call this place home, and you’re likely to see many of them on a single visit.
View of the Morris Island lighthouse aren’t the only perk to this tourist destination. Throughout the preserve, you’ll find a diverse popular of migratory birds, including the beloved and endangered piping plovers. Much of the land here plays home to a variety of wildlife and birdlife for nesting and roosting purposes. Organized bird walks are a common activity here, which can provide plenty of education and entertainment for amateur birdwatchers.
This multi-ecosystem of hardwoods and floodplains provide plenty of prime birdwatching opportunities. The park features a network of hiking and paddling trails, including a 2.4-mile boardwalk that takes you to some of the best spots for bird viewing. If you want to extend your bird spotting adventure, the park allows for backcountry camping to give you plenty of time to spot your favorite species.
Don’t let the name scare you away from this epic nature scene. Though the site is primarily dedicated to hunting waterfowl, visitors can still enjoy taking in all the sights and sounds from the birdlife here. Wood stork and white ibis are common mainstays in the area, along with bald eagles, herons, and the brown-headed nuthatch. The area is a major hot spot for wintering waterfowl and shorebirds during migration, which make fall through spring the perfect time to plan your visit.
This refuge is dedicated to preserving the longleaf pines that once covered millions of acres in the region that have now been lost mostly due to logging. The forests are critical to creating homes for the variety of bird species that now rely on the refuge, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Nuthatches, warblers, sparrows, orioles, and grosbeaks are also known to frequent the area. Visitors can use the observation tower and trail network to seek out these and other beautiful bird species.
Alli Hill is a freelance content writer and mom of two. She spends most of her free time exploring the great outdoors by trail or by kayak. She is also the founder and director of FreelanceSpeak, a blog to support other freelance creatives.
