Guide to Birding in South Carolina

GUIDE TO

BIRDING

South Carolina’s Hottest Birding Regions and Species Counts

MOUNTAINS REGION

1. Dobbins Farm, Townville Anderson County (232)

2. Conestee Nature Preserve Greenville County (225)

3. Clemson Aquaculture/Calhoun Laboratory Field Pickens County (213)

4. Clemson University/SCDNR Cherry Farm Pickens County (212)

5. Beaverdam Creek WMA Anderson County (190)

6. Clemson University—Simpson Research Station Anderson County (183)

7. Lake Edwin Johnson Spartanburg County (176)

8. Fants Grove Wildlife Management Area Anderson County (174)

9. South Carolina Botanical Gardens Pickens County (173)

10. Rocky River Nature Park Anderson County (168)

11. Fork School Bridge Anderson County (167)

12. Bunched Arrowhead Heritage Preserve Greenville County (167)

13. Clemson Experimental Forest—Lake Issaqueena Pickens County (165)

14. Cottonwood Trail Spartanburg County (161)

15. Devils Fork SP Oconee County (159)

16. Lake Cunningham Greenville County (156)

17. South Cove County Park Oconee County (155)

18. Caesars Head State Park Greenville County (154)

19. Cowpens National Battlefield Cherokee County (152)

20. Furman University—Furman Lake Greenville County (151)

MIDLANDS REGION

1. Santee National Wildlife Refuge Clarendon County (262)

2. Audubon’s Silver Bluff Center and Sanctuary Aiken County (215)

3. Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp) Richland County (210)

4. Santee State Park Orangeburg County (208)

5. Orangeburg Sod Farms Orangeburg County (207)

6. Savannah River Site Barnwell County (205)

7. Saluda Shoals Park Lexington County (198)

8. Whitehouse Road Loop Richland County (197)

9. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge Chesterfield County (193)

10. Hemingway Sewage Treatment Ponds Williamsburg County (190)

11. Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve Lexington County (178)

12. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Richland County (172)

13. Dreher Island State Park Newberry County (167)

14. Lake Strom Thurmond McCormick County (165)

15. Sesquicentennial State Park Richland County (164)

16. Gum Swamp Road Aiken County (164)

17. Wateree River Heritage Preserve Richland County (163)

18. Langley Pond Park Aiken County (163)

19. Ninety Six Historic Site Greenwood County (162)

20. Boyd Pond Park Aiken County (161)

Listed by region and in order of species count according to eBird.

COAST REGION

1.

(339)

(303)

11.

14. Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Georgetown County (256)

15. Hunting Island State Park Beaufort County (255)

16. Huntington Beach SP—Mullet Pond Georgetown County (254)

17. Patriots Point Charleston County (253)

18. Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area

Charleston County (253)

19. Caw Caw Interpretive Center Charleston County (244)

20. Dewees Island Charleston County (241)

Huntington Beach State Park Georgetown County

2. Savannah Spoil Site Jasper County

3. Bear Island Wildlife Management Area Colleton County (287)

4. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Jasper County (283)

5. Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge—Bulls Island Charleston County (275)

6. Santee Coastal Reserve Charleston County (275)

7. East Kiawah Island Charleston County (274)

8. Ft. Moultrie National Monument Charleston County (274)

9. Donnelley Wildlife Management Area Colleton County (270)

10. Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve Charleston County (266)

Magnolia Gardens Charleston County (259)

12. Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge Beaufort County (259)

13. Myrtle Beach State Park Horry County (258)

Brown Pelicans

Welcome

By Perry Baker

South Carolina is a relatively compact state, but it encompasses a tremendous tapestry of habitats, from coastal wetlands to immense longleaf pine forests to unique Appalachian highlands. Some 437 birds species have been documented to live or spend a portion of the year in the state. Most casual travelers to the state are familiar with some of the most common birds, such as the American Robin that marks the start of spring, the loud and raucous Red-Winged Blackbird perched in marsh seagrass that we see during our beach vacations, and the beautiful yellow-and-black Prothonotary Warbler that travels to the swamps and floodplains of the Midlands to mate and nest. And don’t overlook the outsized personality of our state bird—the Carolina Wren, a small package with an incredibly loud and distinctive call.

Despite offering several popular tourist destinations along the coast, such as Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach and Charleston, South Carolina is unique in the amount of undeveloped coastline and wetlands that it boasts along the Atlantic Ocean—some of the largest undeveloped wetland ecosystems to be found along the Atlantic Seaboard.

There are several distinct birding locations across South Carolina, which makes traveling from one hotspot to the next not only easy but also reasonably quick—it’s only a five-hour drive to get from the coast to the mountains! Starting out in the Coast region, keep an eye out for the elegant Great Blue Heron, Painted Bunting, Black-necked Stilt and the migratory Red Knot. Our coastline is an important migratory flyway for many species.

Make your way from the coast up through the Midlands region and you can find the Black Vulture, Great Crested Flycatcher, Northern Flicker or a Red-eyed Vireo. The variety of habitats that make up South Carolina’s Midlands— from tall pine forests to river floodplains to sprawling grass savannahs—offer a diverse and unique landscape where birders will find species such as Wild Turkey, Eastern Bluebird, Swallow-tailed Kite and Purple Martin.

Along the rising hills leading to the Blue Ridge Escarpment, keep an eye out for the raptors that migrate on this mountain range every fall. In the Mountains region, you may see the endangered Peregrine Falcon nesting on a cliff face, or a Swainson’s Warbler, Carolina Chickadee, or the Pileated Woodpecker—the largest woodpecker in North America. The brightly colored Scarlet Tanager or Indigo Bunting might also make an appearance.

Great birding spots can be found the from the Coast to the Midlands to the Mountains. Here are a few to put on your list to visit. We look forward to seeing you in South Carolina!

- ACE Basin below Charleston, along with Bear Island Wildlife Management Area

- Huntington Beach State Park near Myrtle Beach and nearby island habitats such as the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center on South Island

- Congaree National Park

- Santee National Wildlife Refuge

- Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

- Francis Marion National Forest

- Caesars Head State Park

- Hunting Island State Park.

Black-necked Stilt

Welcome to the Beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry

Plan your next vacation to the Palmetto State’s beautiful Lowcountry region, where we offer a wide variety of activities and culinary delights, as well as a taste of rich history and culture.

The South Carolina Lowcountry Region is south of Charleston, north of Savannah… and just near Heaven. We invite you to explore our cultural heritage and sea island lifestyle. Warmed by southern breezes and shaded by live oaks and stately palms, this area offers miles of pristine white-sand beaches and varied outdoor activities, along with hundreds of shops and restaurants. Activities include eco-tours featuring dolphin watching, canoeing and kayaking; fresh and saltwater fishing; theaters, museums and art galleries; AfricanAmerican Gullah Heritage; garden tours; bird-watching in pristine surroundings; and many custom-designed programs.

Year-round festivals and special events celebrate music, the arts, local cuisine, wine, antiques, automobiles, shrimp, watermelons, rice, boiled peanuts, Gullah Culture and championship golf. There’s fun for everyone!

The Lowcountry region off ers fi rst-class hotels and resorts, smaller inns, fully equipped villas and campgrounds. Wherever you choose to stay, you are sure to receive a level of service and a standard of amenities that will ensure an enjoyable stay during your vacation.

Birding is a Lowcountry treat, and can be done virtually everywhere. Painted Buntings, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Woodpeckers and so many songbirds can be found in our backyards. There are fresh- and saltwater habitats that house all sorts of shore birds and migratory

species. Here is a small sample of some of the regional wildlife preserves and trails, and suggestions for places to fi nd the birds you haven’t checked off your list yet.

- Beaufort County: Cypress Wetlands Trail, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Hunting Island State Park, Victoria Bluff Wildlife Management Area, Audubon Newhall Preserve.

- Colleton County: ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area, Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary, Edisto Beach State Park, Colleton State Park.

- Hampton County: Webb Wildlife Management Area, Lake Warren State Park.

- Jasper County: Blue Heron Nature Trail, Sergeant Jasper Park, Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.

For more information on how to find these places, click here. If you are already in our region, visit us at the Frampton Plantation House Visitors Center located at Exit 33, just off South Carolina’s Interstate 95. We can help you tailor your experiences during your visit, and you will soon see why we love to call the South Carolina Lowcountry home!

Blue Heron

Hammock Coast Offers the Best in South Carolina Birding

Birders flock—yeah, we said it—to South Carolina’s Hammock Coast to enjoy this unique coastal area that’s home to more than 300 species of birds. Southern Living magazine noted that the area is the best birding site on the East Coast, and experts agree that it offers the best birding opportunities in South Carolina.

The Hammock Coast hosts an annual Birding Festival, with the next slated for February 9th to 11th, 2024. The inaugural festival was held in February 2023 and brought visitors from 17 states and Canada. The festival offers three days of tours, presentations and speakers—and, most importantly, special tours and access to Brookgreen Gardens, Hobcaw Barony, Huntington Beach State Park, and the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center. Those four areas

combined offer more than 50,000 acres of protected land where birds of all kinds live and thrive.

In 2023, festival attendees spotted dozens of species, and many attendees were able to add extensively to their life lists.

When it comes to an overall birding experience, there’s nothing quite like the Hammock Coast, with its miles of pristine beaches, marshes and rivers teeming with birds. Nestled between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, the Hammock Coast has long been a draw for visitors seeking a more laid-back and nature-centric vacation, and birds seek out our area, too—either as a year-round home or a stopover on their trips north and south.

A look at the four tour locations:

1. Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet has been described as a unique melding of art, nature and history. Brookgreen offers insight about the birds that can be seen in this extraordinary setting.

2. North of historic Georgetown, Hobcaw Barony, a 16,000acre preserve and wildlife refuge owned by The Belle W. Baruch Foundation, is important for its location at the mouth of Winyah Bay and its extensive longleaf pine forests with Red-cockaded Woodpecker colonies and excellent Bachman’s Sparrow habitat.

3. A 2,500-acre coastal nature preserve, Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet features a pristine, rarely crowded beach and some of the best birding in all of South Carolina, with more than 330 bird species logged at the park.

4. The southernmost area for the festival takes attendees to the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, which spans more than 24,000 acres and shifts from longleaf pine forest to maritime forest and ocean beach with marshes and managed wetlands in between.

For more information, visit HammockCoastSC.com

American Avocet

Bird-watching Trails in North Myrtle Beach

Experience bird-watching year-round in North Myrtle Beach. Treasure time spent in the great outdoors spotting birds in their natural habitats. From the natural preserves to practically untouched islands, discover the best birdwatching spots in North Myrtle Beach.

Heritage Shores Nature Preserve

Take a break from th e beach and discover beautiful marshland at Heritage Shores Nature Preserve, located on the Cherry Grove Marsh. You’ll never run out of room to explore with seven acres of walking paths, and signs describing the surrounding wildlife make exploring easy. Take a break at one of the observation decks and stay on the lookout for birds ranging from Blue Herons, to Great Egrets and Osprey. These birds call the preserve home.

Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve

The exploration continues just two blocks away from the beach at Russell Burgess Coastal Preserve. Come face to face with nature with foot access to the inlet, or enjoy the boardwalk. Feathered friends such as the White Ibis, Doublecrested Cormorant, or even an Owl can be spotted.

Waites Island

Tap into your sense of adventure and discovery on Waites Island. Kayak tours, paddleboarding or horseback riding are a few ways to explore the island. Keep your eyes peeled for Marsh Hens, Black Skimmers, Oystercatchers, Terns, Piping Plovers, and Bald Eagles.

North Myrtle Beach Nature Trail

Hike the North Myrtle Beach Nature Trail, located at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex. This fi ve-mile loop off ers options for one-point two-mile trails that are clearly marked. Whatever your comfort level when exploring, North Myrtle Beach off ers a variety of trails and adventures for every bird-watcher. Let North Myrtle Beach’s birds surprise you.

Double-crested Cormorant

Great Egret

MORE treasure Beach means

Disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other and with nature. Experience some of the best bird watching in North Myrtle Beach. Let your sense of discovery inspire you as you spot feathered friends. Treasure moments spent outdoors and make memories that last a lifetime.

Little River: Exploring Avian Wonders in Coastal Paradise

Little River, located in the heart of the enchanting coastal region of South Carolina, is a hidden gem for birding enthusiasts. Nestled in the northeast corner of Horry County near the North Carolina border, this charming community offers a diverse array of habitats that attract a remarkable variety of bird species. With its pristine marshes, its lush forests, its location along the Intracoastal Waterway and its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Little River provides an ideal destination for bird-watchers seeking to witness the fascinating world of avian life.

Birding Hot Spots:

Little River boasts several exceptional birding hot spots that are sure to captivate both novice and experienced birders. One such destination is the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens, a stunning nature preserve along the Intracoastal Waterway. Here, visitors can meander along scenic trails lined with towering oaks; spot Herons, Egrets, and Ibises wading in the marshes; and catch glimpses of Warblers flitting among the trees.

Another must-visit location is Waties Island (also known as Waites Island), a pristine barrier island accessible by boat. This secluded paradise is a haven for shorebirds, including Sandpipers, Plovers, and Gulls. Birders can observe these

White Ibises

feathered visitors frolicking along the sandy shores and witness the breathtaking sight of pelicans diving into the ocean to catch their meals.

Migration Spectacle

Little River plays a signifi cant role in the spring and fall migration of numerous bird species. During these seasons, avid birdwatchers gather to witness the spectacle as thousands of colorful migrants pass through the area. Warblers, Tanagers and Hummingbirds are just a few of the many species that make their way through the region, creating a vibrant tapestry of plumage and song.

Conservation Eff orts

The preservation of bird habitats and the promotion of conservation initiatives are vital in ensuring the continued existence of avian species. Little River embraces these

principles, with local organizations actively working to protect and enhance the natural habitats that attract birds. These efforts not only benefit the feathered inhabitants but also contribute to the overall ecological health of the area.

Grab Your Binoculars!

For nature enthusiasts and bird lovers, Little River is an extraordinary destination to explore the wonders of avian life. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse habitats, and commitment to conservation, this coastal community offers an unforgettable birding experience. Whether you are seeking solitude along serene trails or the thrill of spotting rare migrants, Little River promises to leave you captivated by its rich birding opportunities. So grab your binoculars, pack your camera, and embark on an adventure to discover the vibrant treasure of birds in Little River.

Little River

I found my treasure in

Paddling or Walking, the Pee Dee Area is a Bird-watcher’s Dream

Magnolia Warbler

The South Carolina Revolutionary Rivers Trail is 66 miles long, starting at Lynches River County Park and ending at the confluence of the Great Pee Dee River. To see the map, visit sctrails.net/ trails/trail/revolutionary-rivers . If you are more interested in staying on foot, check out SegarsMcKinnon Heritage Preserve, a 30-acre preserve that is home to rare plants, such as the Venus flytrap. It also has a series of trails and boardwalks where you can view Black Creek and the swamp.

If you are interested in seeing the Pee Dee area via water or land, check out Woods Bay State Park. This 1,590-acre park features a geologic formation known as a Carolina Bay, and off ers a variety of natural habitats in which many species of birds can be found. Guests can enjoy viewing the wildlife area by canoeing or walking.

Since 220 species have been observed in the area— including an Acadian Flycatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Swallow-tailed Kite and Magnolia Warber—make sure you bring your camera and binoculars!

Welcome to the Pee Dee!

This seven-county region, named for the original Native America Pee Dee Indians who inhabited it long ago and subsequently the Pee Dee Rivers, still offers the natural wonders that attracted the Native Americans and early settlers. A sparkling gem of nature’s best, Pee Dee Country has a unique combination of scenic parks and natural areas as well as a history spanning both Revolutionary and Civil War times.

Acadian Flycatcher

Birding in Upcountry South Carolina

By Dennis Chastain

One thing most people fail to understand about birders is that we are as diverse as any other category of outdoor enthusiasts. We all have different backgrounds, different physical abilities, widely disparate birding experience, and individual goals and aspirations. Regardless of where you fall along the spectrum of those characteristics, there is something for you in Upcountry South Carolina.

Birding in the Upcountry is like trying to drink from a fire hose. The choices for where and when to go are endless. We have a plethora of nature preserves, several major reservoirs, the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest, numerous state parks, the 50,000-acre Jocassee Gorges natural area, the 12,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area located along the Blue Wall—a dramatic escarpment where a literal wall of mountains meets the rolling hills of the Upper Piedmont. All are easily accessible from an extensive network of hiking trails, old logging roads and paved roads.

If you make the City of Greenville your base of operations, you will be 30 to 45 minutes away from a long list of popular birding sites.

A few miles south of Greenville is the Conestee Nature Preserve, an increasingly popular birding venue. The 400-acre nature preserve is centered around the former impoundment for a 19th-century textile manufacturing plant. The lake is now nearly filled in with silt, providing an attractive Upcountry habitat for overwintering waterfowl, along with migrating coastal wading and shore birds. Even Anhingas show up from time to time.

The surrounding hardwood bottomland forest located along three miles of the Reedy River provides a diversity of habitats, where 34 species of warblers have been seen. Overall, 225 avian species have been observed at Conestee.

Birding is a bit like trout fishing in the sense that where it takes place is an important part of the appeal. If you drive to the peak of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina at 3,553 feet, you can climb the observation deck and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the vast Jocassee Gorges property, along with the Blue Ridge Parkway—three states in all. During the fall migration, you can witness the remarkable scene of an array of raptors drifting along the chain of thermals rising from the Blue Ridge Escarpment, known locally as the Blue Wall.

Far from the din of road noise, the ambient silence makes detecting bird songs a breeze. You might hear the croaking of a big black Raven, or the telltale song of the elusive Swainson’s Warbler, or even the lilting drumbeat of a Ruffed Grouse. Hawk Watch volunteers are stationed at both Sassafras and Caesars Head State Park during the fall migration season.

Cardinal

Year-round Outdoor Exploration in Travelers Rest

Situated along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with some of the best migratory birding stops on the East Coast, is the quaint town of Travelers Rest.

Its mild climate and close proximity to preserves, parks and hiking trails make Travelers Rest a great home base for birding. The cool mountains welcome summer exploration, and visitors come from far and wide to see the spectacular fall foliage. When spring comes around, the forests come to life with songbirds and rare native plants like the Oconee Bells, Bunched Arrowhead and Venus flytrap.

In town, you’ll find the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile walking and bicycling greenway; independently owned shops; more than 20 top-rated restaurants; antique stores; fashion boutiques; several cafés and bakeries; a brewery; and a fully stocked outdoor outfitter.

Add this charming small town to your travel list if you’re looking for a city where the folks are friendly, and the list of outdoor adventures is boundless.

Swamp Rabbit Trail

Oconee Bells