State of South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. It borders North Carolina to the north and northeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, and Georgia to the southwest and south across the Savannah River. Along with North Carolina, it makes up the Carolinas region of the East Coast. South Carolina is the 40th-largest covering almost 83,000 km2 (32,000 square miles) and 24th-most populous US state with a population of almost five and a half million people. South Carolina is composed of 46 counties. The capital is Columbia, but its most populous city is Charleston with a population of c.157,000. The Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson, SC Combined Statistical Area is the most populous combined metropolitan area in the state, with an estimated population of 1.6 million people.
The state can be divided into three natural geographic areas. The natural environment is divided from east to west by the Atlantic coastal plain, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Atlantic Coastal Plain makes up two-thirds of the state. Its eastern border is the Sea Islands, a chain of tidal and barrier islands. The border between the lowcountry and the upcountry is defined by the Atlantic Seaboard fall line, which marks the limit of navigable rivers.
The Atlantic Coastal plain terrain is relatively flat and the soil is composed predominantly of sand, silt, and clay. Areas with better drainage make excellent farmland, though some land is swampy. An unusual feature of the coastal plain is a large number of low-relief topographic depressions named Carolina bays. The bays tend to be oval, lining up in a northwest to southeast orientation. The eastern portion of the coastal plain contains many salt marshes and estuaries, as well as natural ports such as Georgetown and Charleston. The natural areas of the coastal plain are part of the Middle Atlantic coastal forests ecoregion. The Sandhills or Carolina Sandhills is a 16 km to 56 km wide region within the Atlantic Coastal Plain province, along its inland margin. The Carolina Sandhills are interpreted as ancient eolian (wind-blown) sand sheets and dunes.
Table Rock State Park – ©Clemson3564, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Much of Piedmont landscape has relatively low relief. Due to the changing economics of farming, much of the land is now reforested in loblolly pine for the lumber industry. These forests are part of the Southeastern mixed forests ecoregion. At the southeastern edge of Piedmont is the fall line, where rivers drop to the coastal plain. The fall line was an important early source of water power. Mills built to this resource encouraged the growth of several cities, including the capital, Columbia. The larger rivers are navigable up to the fall line, providing a trade route for mill towns. The northwestern part of Piedmont is also known as the Foothills. The Cherokee Parkway is a scenic driving route through this area. This is where Table Rock State Park is located.
The Blue Ridge has relatively high relief. The region contains an escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains that continues into North Carolina and Georgia as part of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina’s highest point at 3,560 feet is in this area. Also in this area is Caesars Head State Park. The environment here is that of the Appalachian-Blue Ridge forests ecoregion. The Chattooga River, on the border between South Carolina and Georgia, is a favourite whitewater rafting destination.
South Carolina has several major lakes covering over 1,770 km2 (683 square miles). All major lakes in South Carolina are human-made. The largest is Lake Marion at 450 km2, followed by Clarks Hill Lake.
South Carolina has a humid subtropical climate, although high-elevation areas in the Upstate area have fewer subtropical characteristics than areas on the Atlantic coastline. In the summer, South Carolina is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures averaging between 30 °C to 34 °C in most of the state and overnight lows averaging 21 °C to 24 °C. Winter temperatures are much less uniform in South Carolina. Coastal areas of the state have very mild winters, with high temperatures approaching an average of 60 °F (16 °C) and overnight lows around 40 °F (5–8 °C).
Lake Marion – ©RealNordyNed, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
South Carolina is home to two dominant ecosystems, the bottomlands, which consist of floodplains and creeks, and the toplands. The floodplains contain large tracts of old and mature second growth cypress and tupelo forest. The uplands are home to longleaf pine, shortleaf pine, and mixed hardwood forests. The Longleaf Pine are an important part of South Carolina’s coastal ecosystem. They improve soil, water, and air quality while providing a habitat for deer and songbirds. These forests are endangered by logging for agriculture and development.
Oysters are a critical part of South Carolina’s coastal ecology. They serve a dual function, filtering the water and forming reefs that provide a habitat for small fish and crabs. Oysters are imperilled by overharvesting because young oysters need older oysters to latch on to as they age. South Carolina is home to many shorebirds including various sandpipers and ibises. The state serves as a stopover site for birds migrating farther south and a wintering ground for birds that do not fly as far south.
Birding South Carolina
Despite its small size, South Carolina includes a wide variety of different habitats. And because of its small size, most of these can be visited in a relatively short time; the determined birder can visit both mountains and coastline in a single day.
Most of the best birding spots are along the coast. Even heavily developed areas like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head are prone to land-bird fallouts during migration. Huntington Beach State Park, not far from Myrtle Beach, is renowned as the state’s hottest hotspot, with abundant shorebirds, many waterfowl and land-birds, and good opportunities for observing marsh and ocean specialties; unusual visitors have included White Wagtail and Smith’s Longspur. Further south, the Low Country is full of lush forests, massive river deltas, and beautiful barrier islands. Painted Buntings are common breeders, and Swallow-tailed Kites also nest in the region.
Santee and Savannah National Wildlife Refuges can both host large waterfowl concentrations in winter, while Pinckney Island NWR has wide variety of herons, egrets, and other waders which breed or visit. Bear Island Wildlife Management Area is well known for its collections of water-birds of all stripes, from rails to terns. Birders on offshore fishing boats have encountered Black-capped Petrels and Band-rumped Storm-petrels, among other species. On the inland side of the coastal plain is the Congaree Swamp National Monument, a dazzling patch of virgin forest with a great variety of trees and many huge individuals. This ancient forest hosts a great abundance of woodpeckers of every eastern species, formerly even including the Ivory-billed; Red-cockaded still nests in one part of the park, as does Swainson’s Warbler.
Pinckney Island NWR – ©Jeff Gunn, Atlanta, USA, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Piedmont has few local specialties, and is the most heavily developed part of the state. However, the Congaree, Broad, and Saluda Rivers, among others, flow through this region, forming ribbons of rich riparian forest that harbour many land-bird species, especially during migration. There are no natural lakes here, but the many artificial ones created for fishing and other recreation have become habitat for many wintering loons (divers) and other water-birds, while waterfowl are particularly abundant in the impoundments of the Broad River and Enoree River Wildlife Management Areas. The many sprawling tracts of the Sumter National Forest include breeding habitat for many species. The many hummingbird feeders in this heavily populated region have attracted Rufous, Calliope, and even Buff-bellied hummingbirds.
Last but not least, the Blue Ridge Mountains poke through the western tip of the state, providing an escape from the summertime heat and humidity. Many northern species reach the edge of their breeding range here, including Ruffed Grouse, Common Raven, and Chestnut-sided and Black-throated Blue Warblers. High points like Caesar’s Head, Table Rock, and Sassafras Mountain provide great vantage points for hawk-watching as well as migration and nesting habitat for abundant warblers of many species.
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Number of bird species: 458
(As at October 2024)State Bird: Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus
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Avibase
PDF ChecklistThis checklist includes all bird species found in South Carolina , based on the best information available at this time. It is based on a wide variety of sources that I collated over many years. I am pleased to offer these checklists as a service to birdwatchers. If you find any error, please do not hesitate to report them. -
Carolina Bird Club
Official ListFatbirder Associate iGoTerra offers the most comprehensive and up to date birds lists on the web -
South Carolina State Parks
PDF ChecklistDF Birding Checklist -
Wikipedia
Annotated ListThis list of birds of South Carolina includes species documented in the U.S. state of South Carolina and accepted by the South Carolina Bird Records Committee (SCBRC) of the Carolina Bird Club. As of mid 2021, there were 446 species definitively included in the official list. -
eBird
PDF ChecklistThis checklist is generated with data from eBird (ebird.org), a global database of bird sightings from birders like you. If you enjoy this checklist, please consider contributing your sightings to eBird. It is 100% free to take part, and your observations will help support birders, researchers, and conservationists worldwide.
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Birding South Carolina
| (A Guide to 40 Premier Birding Sites) | By Jeff Mollenhauer | Falcon Guides | 2009 | Paperback | 144 pages, illustrations | ISBN: 9780762745791 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birdlife
| (A Naturalist's Guide to Birds of the Southeast) | By Todd Ballantine | University of South Carolina Press | 2022 | Paperback | 208 pages, 97 b/w illustrations | ISBN: 9781643363325 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of Coastal South Carolina
| By Roger S Everett | Schiffer | 2008 | Hardback | 144 pages, illustrations | ISBN: 9780764328459 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
| (A Field Guide) | By Ernest Preston Edwards | McDonald & Woodward Publishing | 2006 | Paperback | 142 pages, 55 full colour pages | ISBN: 9780939923960 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of South Carolina
| By Todd Telander | Falcon Guides | 2012 | Paperback | 104 pages, colour illustrations | ISBN: 9780762778928 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of the Carolinas
| By Eloise F Potter, James F Parnell, Robert P Teulings & Ricky Davis | University of North Carolina Press | 2006 | Hardback | 399 pages, Colour photos | ISBN: 9780807829998 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of the Carolinas Field Guide
| By Stan Tekiela | Adventure Publications | Edition 3 | 2020 | 376 pages, colour photos, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9781647550684 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Compact Guide to South Carolina Birds
| By Curtis Smalling & Gregory Kennedy | Lone Pine Publishing | 2007 | Paperback | ISBN: 9789768200266 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Field Guide to Birds of the Carolinas
| By Brian E Small & Nate Swick | ABA | 2016 | Paperback | 384 pages, 550 colour photos | ISBN: 9781935622635 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
National Geographic Field Guide to Birds: Carolinas
| Edited by Jonathan Alderfer | National Geographic Society | 2005 | Paperback | 272 pages, maps, photos, drawings | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780792241867 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
South Carolina Birds
| (A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species) | By James R Kavanagh & Raymond Leung | Waterford Press | 2002 | Unbound | 12 pages, colour illustrations | ISBN: 9781583551677 Buy this book from NHBS.com
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Beidler Forest
Banding StationSatellite ViewIn 2017, Audubon’s Beidler Forest joined the MAPS team. Through the summer nesting season we caught birds in fine nets in the forested uplands above the swamp, recorded their vital statistics, then banded and released them. -
Cape Romain Bird Observatory
Observatory WebsiteSatellite ViewWe are a new nonprofit - one of our primary functions is promoting birding and ecotourism in coastal South Carolina… -
Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History
Banding StationSatellite View -
Kiawah Island Banding Station (KIBS)
Banding StationSatellite ViewThe Kiawah Island Banding Station (KIBS) is operated by the Town of Kiawah Island and supported by the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy (KINHC). We would like to thank KINHC for providing financial support to purchase supplies and for providing the resources to hire three banding assistants. We would also like to thank Kiawah Development Partners for allowing access to their land to band birds. Last but not least, we would like to thank all of the volunteers that have donated countless hours to KIBS. -
Sullivan’s Island
Banding StationSatellite ViewSo for two years, in both spring and fall, Audubon South Carolina measured the abundance and diversity of birdlife at a migratory hot-spot on Sullivan’s Island.
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Coastal Carolina University - Ornithology Course
CourseCourse goals: First, by taking this course you should come to a better understanding of evolution, physiology, behavior and ecology through the study of the abundant examples in avian biology. Second, you should acquire a basic competency in the study of birds yourself: you should be able to understand and use the vocabulary of ornithology, to describe the unique features of avian anatomy and physiology and their adaptive value, and to identify many common local birds by sight or sound or both. You should be able to formulate reasonable hypotheses about questions in ornithology and suggest practical tests of those hypotheses… -
Riverbanks Zoo
WebsiteThanks to a donation from BB&T bank, in 1996 a medical clinic designed specifically for the treatment of injured raptors and endangered species was constructed. Since then approximately 150 raptors have been treated each year. Owls, eagles, hawks, vultures, kestrels, kites, falcons and osprey are just some of the raptors that have been treated at the BB&T Clinic for Raptors and Endangered Species.
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Audubon Society in South Carolina
InformationThe usual list of local chapters. -
Audubon South Carolina
WebpageAudubon South Carolina protects birds and the places they need, right here in South Carolina. We’re the state office of the National Audubon Society, with one million members and a century-long track record of success. -
Augusta-Aiken Audubon
Facebook PageOur mission is to educate the public about birds, other wildlife, and habitat, and to provide opportunities for our community to appreciate the natural world. Also see the Facebook page. -
Carolina Bird Club
WebsiteThe Carolina Bird Club is a non-profit organization that represents and supports the birding community in the Carolinas through its website, publications, meetings, workshops, trips, and partnerships, whose mission is to promote the observation, enjoyment, and study of birds... -
Carolina Young Birders Club
WebsiteThe Carolina Young Birders Club strives to connect like-minded kids and teens throughout both North and South Carolina. We are a club for any young person aged 13-18 who has a interest in birds and lives in the Carolinas. It's free to join- all that we ask is to stay in contact with us and participate! Must be registered thru the Carolina Bird Club. -
Charleston Natural History Society
WebsiteWe are the Charleston Natural History Society (CNHS) a South Carolina chapter of the National Audubon Society since 1970. Founded as the Charleston Natural History Society in 1905, we serve Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax exempt environmental organization that actively promotes awareness, appreciation and conservation of the natural environment through educational programs, field trips, conservation projects, sponsored research and social activities. -
Charleston Natural History Society & Charleston Audubon
WebsiteWe are the Charleston Natural History Society (CNHS) – and Charleston‘s Audubon society – a South Carolina chapter of the National Audubon Society since 1970. Founded as the Charleston Natural History Society in 1905, we serve Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. We are a nonprofit environmental organization that actively promotes awareness, appreciation and conservation of the natural environment through educational programs, field trips, conservation projects, sponsored research and social activities. -
Columbia Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Columbia Audubon Society (CAS), located in Columbia, South Carolina, is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. We are active in both birding and conservation activities in and around the Midlands of South Carolina. Meetings are held several times each year, generally from September through May. Field trips are held approximately once a month. Check this web site for the most current information. Non-members are always welcome at all events. There is no charge for most meetings and field trips. The list of field trips includes both those sponsored or cosponsored by Columbia Audubon Society and selected events sponsored by other local organizations that are open to the public. -
Greenville County Bird Club
WebsiteThe Greenville County Bird Club is a birding organization based in upstate South Carolina. We offer an assortment of outings, workshops, and social events. The GCBC welcomes all people. We believe that everyone belongs and deserves fairness, justice, and inclusion. We embrace the qualities that make each person unique. Our members come from many backgrounds in all walks of life and all levels of birding experience. We hope you will join us. Follow the links below to learn more. -
Hilton Head Island Audubon Society
Facebook PageThe Hilton Head Island Audubon Society was founded in 1974. With more than 200 memberships, we are proud of our organization. Our mission is: "To promote the awareness and appreciation of nature, to preserve and protect wildlife and natural ecosystems and to encourage responsible environmental stewardship.” -
Nature Conservancy South Carolina
WebpageWhen you give today, you’re helping South Carolina’s future generations. -
Piedmont Audubon Society
WebsiteLocated in Spartanburg, SC, the Piedmont chapter of the National Audubon Society focuses on birds, other wildlife, and the ecosystems that support them. Whether you go afield to find birds, enjoy them from your armchair, or have a broad interest in the natural world, you will find a warm welcome. Please join us! -
South Carolina Wildlife Federation
WebsiteFor the last 85 years, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) has served as the voice for outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe. Representing hunter and birdwatcher, teacher and backpacker, boater and farmer, gardener and angler, SCWF builds partnerships to ensure everyone can enjoy South Carolina’s natural heritage and recreation opportunities for generations to come. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to its broad coastal marshes, South Carolina is blessed with an incredible diversity of natural resources that are both beautiful and accessible. -
Waccamaw Audubon Society
WebsiteWaccamaw Audubon Society (WAS) is the local chapter of the National Audubon Society serving northeastern South Carolina and southeastern North Carolina. With over four hundred members, WAS has monthly programs and field trips (the public is invited). Waccamaw Audubon is especially proud of its recognition by the National Audubon Society, which awarded WAS one of the first-ever Rachel Carson Awards for its work in helping establish the new Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge…
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BS Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve
WebpageSatellite ViewLewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve manages longleaf pine habitat for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. In 2008 32 individuals were counted in 10 colonies. Lewis Ocean Bay hosts the following breeding WatchListed species:Worm-eating, Prothonotary, Prairie, and Kentucky Warblers, Wood Thrush, Brown-headed Nuthatch and Red-headed Woodpecker. Good number and diversity of neotropical migratory species. -
BS NC Francis Beidler Forest Sanctuary - in Four Holes Swamp
Facebook PageSatellite ViewYou have entered the Francis Beidler Forest website. Francis Beidler Forest is the largest virgin blackwater cypress-tupelo swamp forest left in the world! This 11,000-acre riverine sanctuary in the heart of Four Holes Swamp embraces 1,800 acres of ancient trees that tower over blackwater streams, clear pools and 300 species of wildlife… -
BS Silver Bluff Center and Plantation
WebpageSatellite ViewAudubon’s Silver Bluff Sanctuary is a 3,400-acre woodland overlooking the Savannah River. Here you’ll find extensive pine forests and bottomland hardwood forests; 22 miles of horse and walking trails; 50 acres of lakes and ponds; 100 acres of grassland; and all manner of birds and wildlife. And that’s just above ground — underfoot are archaeological sites from nearly every period in American history. -
IBA Fort Jackson Military Reservation
WebpageSatellite ViewFort Jackson Military Reservation is located due east of Columbia in Richland County and extends eastward to US Hwy. 601, bounded to the north by SC 12 and the south by SC 262. Located within the "Fall Line" sandhills, Ft. Jackson consists of very deep, xeric lakeland soils vegetated by a longleaf pine-scrub oak community bisected by narrow blackwater stream bottoms and with scattered man-made lakes and ponds. 30 groups of the federally endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker have been observed as permanent residents over a 7-year period. The Southeastern Kestrel, state species of concern,breeds at Ft. Jackson. 35 pairs have been observed in nest boxes over a period of 8 years. WatchListed: Brown-headed Nuthatches (common permanent residents), Loggerhead Shrikes (uncommon permanent residents), Bachman's Sparrows (fairly common breeders), Prairie Warblers (fairly common breeders), Swainson's Warblers (uncommon-rare breeders), Kentucky Warblers (uncommon breeders), Prothonotary Warblers (fairly common breeders), and Wood Thrushes (fairly common breeders) have been observed over an 8 year period. -
IBA NF Francis Marion National Forest
WebpageSatellite ViewThe Francis Marion National Forest (FMNF) is ornithologically significant because it holds the northern-most concentration (50 pairs)of breeding Swallow-tailed Kites, a WatchListed species. Due to the well-managed old-growth longleaf pine habitat it is host to resident federally endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, approximately 350 breeding groups, one of the largest populations in the world. Several pairs of Bald Eagles nest in the forest and federally endangered Wood Storks forage here. Other longleaf pine species, which are also Watchlisted, Brown-headed Nuthatch and Bachman's Sparrow are abundant in the NF. Painted Buntings and Swainson's Warblers breed here.Approximately 100 pairs of state-listed Southeastern Kestrels nest here. Probably the largest concentration of the state-listed Wayne's race of the Black-throated Green Warbler are also nesters.The managed Tibwin Wetland Complex consistently has the highest winter hawk migration along the southeastern coast. -
IBA NR Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center
WebpageSatellite ViewConsidered one of the most outstanding gifts to wildlife conservation in North America, the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center was willed to the SC Department of Natural Resources in 1976 by the late Tom Yawkey. The Wildlife Center embraces North, South and most of Cat Island, three coastal islands located at the mouth of Winyah Bay in Georgetown County, SC. Composed of approximately 31 square miles of marsh, managed wetlands, forest openings, ocean beach, longleaf pine forest and maritime forest, the Center is principally dedicated as a wildlife preserve, research area and waterfowl refuge. Federally Endangered birds found at Yawkey are Wood Stork and Red-cockaded Woodpecker, which reside here year-round. Piping Plover are found here all except breeding season. Least Tern occur Breeding Season, Summer and Fall. Peregrine Falcons are found here all except breeding seasons. WatchListed birds which occur at Yawkey year-round are: Bald Eagle, Common Ground-dove, Black Rail, Black Skimmer, Barn Owl, Loggerhead Shrike, Northern Bobwhite. -
IBA WMA Bear Island
WebpageSatellite ViewBear Island Wildlife Management Area is a state owned property dedicated primarily to waterfowl hunting. It contains 5,385 acres of managed impoundments at 27 sites. There is also 5,005 acres of tidal marsh and 404 acres of cultivated land growing food plots. There are 1,227 acres of mixed forest. It is a major wintering area for waterfowl as well as an important shorebird area during migration. It is also an important nesting area for Bald Eagles and a foraging area for wading birds including Wood Stork, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, Tri-colored Heron, White Ibis and Glossy Ibis. Concentrations of migratory shorebirds include Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Dowitcher and Common Snipe. Shorebird concentrations are noted during times of pond drawdown associated with the waterfowl management program. -
IBA WMA Donnelly Wildlife Management Area
WebpageSatellite ViewThe Donnelley Wildlife Management Area is a state owned, 8,048 acre tract that encompasses a diversity of wetland and upland habitats including: managed rice fields, forested wetlands, tidal marsh, agricultural lands and upland forests. The combination of upland and wetland habitats provides an excellent environment for a variety of avian species. Public access makes the property available most of the year to bird watchers and researchers. -
NC Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History
WebsiteSatellite ViewThe mission of Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History is to conserve animals, plants, habitats, and other natural components of the Piedmont Region of the eastern United States through observation, scientific study, and education for students of all ages… -
NR Lake Conestee Nature Park
WebsiteSatellite ViewLake Conestee Nature Park is the wintering grounds of the largest reported population of Rusty Blackbirds in South Carolina. Between 700 and 1000 individuals have been reported. It consists of 400 acres of beautiful natural habitat just 6 miles from downtown Greenville, SC. The park contains both upland hardwood and evergreen forest, successional shrub cover, meadows, extensive wetlands, a lake, oxbow sloughs and 2 miles of the Reedy River and associated riparian bottomland forests Current facilities include nearly 10 miles of trails (40% paved, wheel-chair accessible, with remainder natural surface), five trailheads with public parking, over 2,000 linear feet (0.35 miles) of boardwalk in the wetland areas, and two large wetland/wildlife observation decks with interpretive signs. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk and there is no charge for entry. -
NR Santee Costal Reserve
WebpageSatellite ViewSantee Coastal Reserve is a great birding spot, mostly because it has three main habitats—old growth longleaf pine forest, freshwater swamp, and fresh or brackish marshland. The pine forest along the entrance road has all of the specialty species of longleaf pine forests. Many birders have gotten their lifer Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and Bachman's Sparrows along this drive. From the parking area you have a choice of hiking into a freshwater swamp (with a good boardwalk) to a large heron rookery, or hiking out into the extensive marshlands to look for ducks, rails, shorebirds, and other wetlands species. Many rarities have been found at Santee Coastal, including Ruff, Black Rail, Yellow Rail, and American Avocet. -
NS Beidler Forest Audubon Center & Sanctuary
WebpageSatellite ViewStay abreast of the Audubon Center at Beidler Forest Our email newsletter shares the latest programs and initiatives. -
NS Silver Bluff Audubon Sanctuary
Facebook PageSatellite ViewThe Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary, nestled along 2.5 miles of the Savannah River, comprises over 3,000 acres of forests, fields, lakes, ponds, and streams that support a wide variety of wildlife, including over 200 species of birds such as Wood Storks and Bald Eagles. -
NWR ACE Basin
WebpageSatellite ViewThe ACE (for the rivers: Ashepoo, Combahee, Edisto) Basin National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in Charleston County, ~25 miles south of Charleston. The refuge is ~ 11,000 acres. The Edisto Unit, which includes The Grove and Jehossee Island, totals 6500 acres. The ACE Basin Watershed represents one of the largest undeveloped wetland ecosystems on the Atlantic Coast. Much of the Refuge is old rice impoundments comprised of typical fresh water marsh plants. The major cover types are, in decending order of prevalence: Mixed Hardwood/Pine, Marsh, Wetlands Management Units, Early Successional Field/Pasture, Longleaf Pine, and Bottomland Hardwood Forest. The Edisto Unit of the ACE Basin NWR supports more than 900 foraging Wood Storks during June-August. Nesting sites for Bald Eagles, Barn Owls and Red-headed Woodpeckers, Black Rails, Mottled Ducks and Painted Buntings are found.Swallow-tailed Kites and Black Ducks use the Refuge during part of the year. Wetlands provide nesting and/or feeding sites for thousands of shorebirds, including Black-necked Stilts, Black-bellied and Semi-palmated Plovers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, all three "peeps," Dunlins, Short and Long-billed Dowitchers. -
NWR Cape Romain
WebpageSatellite ViewCape Romain National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1932. Since that time, in support of wildlife's battle for survival and the fight against constantly disappearing habitat. wildlife managers and biologists have employed a number of wildlife management techniques… -
NWR Carolina Sandhills
WebpageSatellite ViewThe Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge contains 46,000 acres of land and water in northeastern South Carolina. The primary species is the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker. The large stands of mature longleaf pine timber are home to 500 to 700 Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in scattered breeding colonies. Bachman's sparrow is also present in good numbers, but there are currently no hard figures on the size of this population. Carolina Sandhills is an important area for the research conducted on this endangered woodpecker. -
NWR Waccamaw
WebpageSatellite ViewPresently Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge encompasses nearly 29,000 acres. In 2008 Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge opened the newly constructed Cox Ferry Lake Recreation Area and has also opened a new state-of-the-art Visitor and Environmental Education Center on Highway 701 north of Georgetown.
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ABA Birding News
ListingsMost recent postings from the Carolinias -
Carolina Bird ClubAffiliate sites:Birds of North CarolinaCarolina Young Birders
SightingsThe most timely sources of information about current sightings of birds both rare and common in the Carolinas are the carolinabirds mailing list and eBird. The most recent carolinabirds messages can be found at American Birding Association Birding News. -
CarolinaBirds
ForumBirds and Birding in the Carolinas -
eBird - South Carolina Rare Bird Alert
SightingsThe report below shows observations of rare birds in South Carolina. Includes both unreviewed and reviewed/approved observations.
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Birding Beaufort
Local Tour OperatorWe have thoughtfully curated our tours so that you can experience a birding adventure you will never forget! We hope you will join us on a Birding Beaufort Tour soon! -
Birding Charleston with Arch McCallum
Local Tour OperatorHi, I'm Arch McCallum. Everywhere I go I look and listen for birds. If you do the same, or if you simply want to experience something new, I'm at your service. We can focus on maximizing species, or finding species you've never seen. -
Coastal Expeditions Bulls Island
Local Tour OperatorBirding in Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge -
Holy City Birding
Local Tour OperatorBook a Guided Birding Tour! Experience the natural side of Charleston with a tour focused on the Birds that thrive in this amazing coastal city! -
Naturalist Journeys
Tour OperatorNaturalist Journeys offers small group guided South Carolina birding tour and South Carolina nature tours. Bird from Savannah to Charleston, exploring the Savannah Wildlife Refuge, ACE Basin, and Folly Beach. -
Tideline Tours
Local Tour OperatorJoin us on a boat excursion that’s all about birds. Whether you’re a lifelong bird enthusiast or only mildly interested, we guarantee you’ll love finding and learning about some of our feathered residents! -
WINGS
Tour OperatorGeorgia and South Carolina Birding the American Civil War: Savannah to Charleston
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2016 [05 May] - Bruce Wedderburn - Southeast USA
ReportThis was a two-month trip to southeast USA for Yvonne and myself, from late March through to late May, with a focus on the Spring migration, in particular the highly varied and colourful warblers. The trip commenced in Dallas in early Spring and involved touring through Texas along the Mexican border, following the Gulf of Mexico around to Florida as far south as Key West, then heading north up the east coast of the USA, then inland to the Appalachian Ranges in North Carolina, before heading west for our return trip to Dallas. Qantas has direct flights from Sydney to Dallas which avoids flying on any internal flights within the USA. -
2021 [08 August] - Craig Watson
ReportShorebird visitation to coastal South Carolina can be quite spectacular during August as many shorebirds are in full migration and are staging in particular areas for the long departure out of North America...
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Inn at Middleton Place
AccommodationMiddleton Place, an 18th century rice plantation and the home of a distinguished Colonial family, is an area of great natural beauty with a delicate ecosystem flourishing where rice culture once thrived…
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Avian Conservation Center
WebsiteThe International Center for Birds of Prey (ICBP) is a non-profit educational, scientific and conservation organization located near Charleston, South Carolina. -
Birding South CarolinaSouth Carolina Birding Trails and Maps
InformationFind the top rated birding trails in South Carolina, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. -
J Drew Lanham
WebsiteWANT TO HEAR MORE? CONTACT MEI am a wondering wander in love with nature and all the sensuality that falls softly in raindrops, rises riotously with each dawn chorus and whispers goodnight with Whip-poor-wills at dusk. I was born in 1965 and raised in the depths of the Sumter National Forest in a district called the Long Cane. Steven’s and Cheve’s Creeks feed into the Savannah River not far from the rolling piedmont landscape and the small family farm in Edgefield, South Carolina that nurtured me. I count three degrees from Clemson University as structured steps to learning and self-awareness. Honored as a Distinguished Alumni Professor and Alumni Master Teacher, my 20 years as faculty includes courses, research and outreach in woodland ecology, conservation biology, forest biodiversity, wildlife policy and conservation ornithology and more than forty graduate students mentored. -
South Carolina Breeding Bird Atlas
WebsiteAlthough South Carolina has a long history of ornithological survey, dating back to the colonial era, much of this work was concentrated in the coastal zone and sporadic in nature. Large portions of South Carolina, especially the interior of the state, have never had an adequate natural history survey.
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Cathy Miller - Pluff Mud Perspecitves
BLOGBorn and raised in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, I am a nature lover, bird watcher, unabashed tree hugger and aspiring-to-improve photographer. In my adult life, I have traveled and/or lived in other areas of the US, Europe and even the Middle East. But with original pluff mud between my toes from treks through the marsh behind my childhood home, I have not resisted returning twice to my terre natale -- the Lowcountry -- to make my home. -
David C McLean - Birding Bulls
BLOGBirding observations from the ongoing USF&WS Cape Romain NWR Bulls Island waterfowl/shorebird survey, from Christmas and Spring Bird Counts, and from other surveys and outings.