Forest birding habitat

Fort Moultrie National Monument

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Fort Moultrie National Monument is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 281 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Killdeer, and Ring-billed Gull 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

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

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

5/28/2026Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve1 observed

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

5/27/2026Pitt Street Causeway2 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/25/2026Headquarters Plantation Drive2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

66/2/2026

Mourning Dove

16/2/2026

Laughing Gull

36/2/2026

Sandwich Tern

36/2/2026

Brown Pelican

16/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/2/2026

Blue Jay

16/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

46/2/2026

Barn Swallow

36/2/2026

European Starling

16/2/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/2/2026

Eastern Bluebird

26/2/2026

House Sparrow

16/2/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/2/2026

Chimney Swift

16/2/2026

Killdeer

16/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

16/2/2026

Least Tern

26/2/2026

Royal Tern

66/2/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Fort Moultrie National Monument for birding?
The best months to visit Fort Moultrie National Monument for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Fort Moultrie National Monument?
Notable species at Fort Moultrie National Monument include Red-breasted Merganser, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, American Herring Gull, Common Loon. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Fort Moultrie National Monument?
Birding at Fort Moultrie National Monument is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Fort Moultrie National Monument?
Fort Moultrie National Monument offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.