Coastal birding habitat

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)

Georgia · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY) is a productive birding destination in Georgia, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, King Rail, and Clapper Rail among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Eastern Towhee (Red-eyed)

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

7/20/2026Savannah Home-Personal Hotspot1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

7/20/20262165 Old Augusta Rd S, Rincon US-GA 32.24989, -81.188232 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/19/2026Scott’s Wild Bird Preserve1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/17/2026Savannah Home-Personal Hotspot1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/15/2026Savannah NWR--Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)5 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/15/2026Savannah NWR--Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)3 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/15/2026Savannah NWR--Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)8 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

7/15/2026Savannah NWR--Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)14 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/15/2026Savannah NWR--Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

97/15/2026

Mottled Duck

27/15/2026

Mourning Dove

57/15/2026

Clapper Rail

27/15/2026

Common Gallinule

57/15/2026

Black-necked Stilt

167/15/2026

Killdeer

67/15/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

47/15/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/15/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

147/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

57/15/2026

Stilt Sandpiper

87/15/2026

Least Sandpiper

1107/15/2026

Pectoral Sandpiper

37/15/2026

Western Sandpiper

17/15/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

17/15/2026

Least Tern

447/15/2026

Forster's Tern

17/15/2026

Anhinga

27/15/2026

White Ibis

17/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY) for birding?
The best months to visit Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)?
Notable species at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY) include Mourning Dove, King Rail, Clapper Rail, Common Gallinule, American Coot. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)?
Birding at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)?
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.