Birding in South Carolina
Bring your binoculars and your birding list. South Carolina's many varied habitats are home to diversity of birdlife unmatched by many larger Atlantic States. 
With over 375 species, birders from around the world flock to South Carolina to view migrating coastal birds, Bachman's sparrow, Swainson's warbler, swallow-tailed kite, Mississippi kite, red-cockaded woodpecker, painted bunting and other remarkable birds.
South Carolina Habitats
The swamps and streams, maritime hardwood forest, upland pine stands, urban areas and agricultural tracts of the Palmetto State provide habitats for species as varied as the abundant Carolina wren, the endangered wood stork, the tiny ruby-throated hummingbird and even the majestic bald eagle.
Premier Birding Destinations
With such great birding destinations as the Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge, Huntington Beach State Park and Caesars Head, you won't find better birding on the Atlantic Coast of America. Guided field studies offer birders access to areas not regularly open to the public.
Use the links and South Carolina birding listings below for more information on birding in South Carolina. Click on a birding destination for more information on that location.
Useful Links:
Birding Checklists:
2009 Birding Programs:
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This park offers beach access with over 4,000 ft. of ocean frontage. The park includes over 100 acres of highland, 2,000 ft. along the Folly River, sand bars and marsh. A picnic area, boardwalks, showers, dressing areas, and restrooms are among the amenities that are provided year round. Lifeguards, chair and umbrella rentals, and a snack bar are available seasonally.
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 Folly Beach |
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This state-of-the-art center is the primary ferry departure facility for visiting Fort Sumter. Located in Liberty Square, the center offers interpretive and visual exhibits on the events leading up to the start of the Civil War with the bombardment of Fort Sumter. National Park Service rangers and volunteers will answer questions and help you achieve a better understanding of the causes of the Civil War, why it began at Fort Sumter and what happened during the war. National Park Passport cancellations are available in the bookstore.
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Charleston |
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Site of the battle between forces of British Col. Banastre Tarleton and Revolutionary Gen. Francis Marion, "The Swamp Fox." Now this wildlife-rich 260,000-acre forest welcomes campers, hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, kayakers, and picnickers. OHV opportunities are found at the Wambaw Cycle Trail.
BUCK HALL RECREATION AREA - Day-use facilities includes trailhead parking, boaters, fishermen, picnickers and any other non-camping use in the area. Picnic Shelter first come; first served or by reservation ($25 for groups up to 50) ($45 for groups 51-100.) Parking fee is required for all parked vehicles in area. Ten full hook-up and three tent sites must be reserved through RESERVEUSA.COM or by calling 877-444-6777; a $9 reservation fee will be added to all reservations.
WAMBAW CYCLE TRAIL - 40 mile motorcycle, OHV and mountain bike trail. $5/operator/day fee. Trailhead located off Halfway Creek Rd.
Call before you Haul Hotline 803-561-4025 or check the website for up-to-date information.
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McClellanville |
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This 10-acre public garden features a series of ponds, walking trails, and an abundance of perennials and shrubs. A native woodland of mixed hardwoods offers a diverse population of wildlife. Activities include a self-guided tour of the garden, plant identification, wildlife observation with facilities for picnics and nature studies.
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 Spartanburg |
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Once privately owned and enjoyed exclusively by Aiken's storied winter colony set, Hitchcock Woods is now owned by the Hitchcock Woods Foundation, a nonprofit organization that makes the Woods available to the community. This nearly 2,100-acre longleaf pine forest has 65 miles of marked trails available to hikers, runners, equestrians, and carriage drivers. Hitchcock Woods is home to the rustic Aiken Horse Show in early April, one of the oldest annual horse shows in the country. The Festival of the Woods is held each year in September.
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 Aiken |
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Thurmond Lake, the largest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project east of the Mississippi River, was built between 1946 and 1954 as part of a comprehensive plan of development for the Savannah River Basin. Thurmond Lake is one of the 10 most visited Corps og Engineers lakes in the nation, serving about 6.5 million visitors annually. The lake offers camping, day use areas, boating, fishing, hunting, and trails. Baker Creek State Park and Hickory Knob State Park are located on the shores of the lake.
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 Clarks Hill |
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This 643-acre park offers recreational opportunities from tidal creek fishing to trails for walking, biking and skating. The 50-foot tall Climbing Wall facility features more than 4,500 square feet of climbing space and up to 14 top ropes available for climbing. The Splash Zone Waterpark offers two 200-ft tube slides, a 500-ft lazy river, a leisure pool and a Caribbean play structure. A campground, picnic center with shelters, vacation cabins, meeting facilities, and boat and bike rentals are other amenities.
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Charleston |
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On Oct. 7, 1780, a group of Patriot militia from what is now Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia defeated British Major Patrick Ferguson and his band of Loyalist forces. Historians consider the Battle of Kings Mountain the "turning point of the Revolutionary War in the South," as it was the first significant Patriot victory following the demise of the Continental Army at Charleston and Camden. The park features a 27-minute film, exhibits, and a self-guided battlefield tour.
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 Blacksburg |
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Lake Brown is a 100 acre fishing lake provided by the South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources. Public access is through public boat ramps and a fishing pier. There are some boat/motor restrictions.
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 Barnwell |
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Lake Murray is a 50,000-acre man-made lake in the Midlands of South Carolina. It is operated by South Carolina Electric and Gas Company and is known for striped bass fishing and summer water sports. Public access is through public parks near the dam, public boat ramps and marinas, and Dreher Island State Recreation Area.
Each summer, an estimated flock of over one million Purple Martins fill the predawn and evening skies, establishing their seasonal roost at Bomb Island, located in the middle of the lake. The island is the site of the first official sanctuary in North American designated solely for roosting Purple Martins.
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 Irmo |
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