Coastal birding habitat

Folly Beach County Park

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Folly Beach County Park is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

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

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/28/2026Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve1 observed

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

5/27/2026Pitt Street Causeway2 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

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Semipalmated Plover

15/31/2026

Wilson's Plover

65/31/2026

Willet

255/31/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

45/31/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

25/31/2026

Laughing Gull

505/31/2026

Ring-billed Gull

25/31/2026

Least Tern

305/31/2026

Sandwich Tern

25/31/2026

Royal Tern

45/31/2026

Tricolored Heron

15/31/2026

Green Heron

25/31/2026

Brown Pelican

1005/31/2026

Marsh Wren

25/31/2026

House Finch

35/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/31/2026

Common Grackle

25/31/2026

Northern Cardinal

15/31/2026

Black Skimmer

15/24/2026

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 Folly Beach County Park for birding?
The best months to visit Folly Beach County Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Folly Beach County Park?
Notable species at Folly Beach County Park include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Folly Beach County Park?
Birding at Folly Beach County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Folly Beach County Park?
Folly Beach County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.