a large alligator laying on top of a lush green forest

Caw Caw Interpretive Center

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$2 per person

Hours

Open Wed-Sun, 9 AM - 5 PM

About This Location

Caw Caw Interpretive Center is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 249 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Killdeer, and Pied-billed Grebe among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

6/2/2026Headquarters Plantation Drive3 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

6/2/2026Magnolia Plantation & Gardens1 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

5/31/20264539–4599 Spruill Ave, North Charleston US-SC 32.87776, -79.980202 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

5/31/2026Folly Beach County Park1 observed

Limpkin

Aramus guarauna

5/30/202646 N Basilica Ave, Hanahan US-SC 32.97143, -80.039911 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/29/2026James Island causeway (Folly Rd.)1 observed

King Rail

Rallus elegans

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

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/27/2026Botany Bay Heritage Preserve1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/25/2026Headquarters Plantation Drive2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brown-headed Nuthatch

56/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

36/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

56/2/2026

Common Yellowthroat

56/2/2026

Northern Parula

26/2/2026

Indigo Bunting

26/2/2026

Painted Bunting

46/2/2026

Mourning Dove

36/2/2026

Chimney Swift

26/2/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

16/2/2026

Clapper Rail

116/2/2026

American Coot

16/2/2026

Laughing Gull

56/2/2026

Anhinga

16/2/2026

Least Bittern

26/2/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

26/2/2026

Little Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Snowy Egret

46/2/2026

Green Heron

16/2/2026

Great Egret

96/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Caw Caw Interpretive Center for birding?
The best months to visit Caw Caw Interpretive Center for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Caw Caw Interpretive Center?
Notable species at Caw Caw Interpretive Center include Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Pied-billed Grebe, Anhinga, White Ibis, Dark-eyed Junco, Canada Goose, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, American Crow, Fish Crow, Carolina Wren. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Caw Caw Interpretive Center?
Birding at Caw Caw Interpretive Center is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Caw Caw Interpretive Center?
The entrance fee at Caw Caw Interpretive Center is $2 per person. Hours: Open Wed-Sun, 9 AM - 5 PM.
What amenities are available at Caw Caw Interpretive Center?
Caw Caw Interpretive Center offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.