Wetland birding habitat

ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Combahee Unit

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Combahee Unit is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mottled Duck, Common Gallinule, and American Coot 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

King Rail

Rallus elegans

5/29/2026Ernest F. Hollings ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Hollywood US-SC 32.65989, -80.406833 observed

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

5/28/2026Steven's Yard, Pinckney Retreat, Port Royal Island, SC6 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Common Gallinule

25/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/30/2026

White-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

45/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

American Crow

35/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/30/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/30/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

15/30/2026

Orchard Oriole

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

65/30/2026

Northern Parula

15/30/2026

Pine Warbler

15/30/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

25/30/2026

Summer Tanager

15/30/2026

Northern Cardinal

25/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Combahee Unit for birding?
The best months to visit ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Combahee Unit for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Combahee Unit?
Notable species at ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Combahee Unit include Mottled Duck, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Combahee Unit?
Birding at ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Combahee Unit is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Combahee Unit?
ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Combahee Unit offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.