Birding in South Carolina

The top birding locations in South Carolina include Francis Beidler Forest, ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Combahee Unit, Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area, Brookgreen Botanical Gardens, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge - Bulls Island, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge - Garris Landing, Awendaw, Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Charles Towne Landing, Clemson Aquaculture/Calhoun Laboratory Field, Conestee Nature Preserve, Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp), Dewees Island, Dobbins Farm, Townville SC (sensitive site - respect farm operations), East Kiawah Island, Edisto Beach State Park, Fish Haul Beach Park, Folly Beach County Park, Fort Moultrie National Monument, Heritage Shores Nature Preserve, Hilton Head Island, Hobcaw Barony, Hunting Island State Park, Huntington Beach State Park, Huntington Beach State Park - Mullet Pond, Huntington Beach State Park - North Beach/Jetty/Dunes Trail, James Island County Park, Lake Busbee, Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, Litchfield Beach, Magnolia Cemetery, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Myrtle Beach State Park, Orangeburg Sod Farms, Patriot's Point - nature trail and surrounding areas, Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Saint Christopher Camp and Conference Center, Santee National Wildlife Refuge, Santee National Wildlife Refuge - Cuddo Unit, Santee State Park, Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr, Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Tupelo Trail, Sea Pines Forest Preserve, Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary, Sullivan's Island, The Avian Conservation Center, Waties Island, Whitehouse Road loop, Wild Dunes. Each offers unique habitats and species.

The best seasons for birding in South Carolina are Spring and Summer and Fall and Winter. Spring migration brings diverse species through the area. Winter offers opportunities for cold-weather specialties and waterfowl.

Notable species in South Carolina include Prothonotary Warbler, Barred Owl, Yellow-throated Warbler, Mississippi Kite, Acadian Flycatcher, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, and more. The state supports wetland, forest, coastal, urban park, grassland, lake habitats.