Coastal birding habitat

James Island County Park

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

James Island County Park is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Osprey, Downy Woodpecker, and Carolina Chickadee 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

Mourning Dove

6/2/2026

Laughing Gull

6/2/2026

Wood Stork

26/2/2026

Tricolored Heron

6/2/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

36/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

6/2/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

6/2/2026

American Crow

6/2/2026

Carolina Chickadee

6/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

6/2/2026

Northern Cardinal

6/2/2026

Painted Bunting

6/2/2026

Anhinga

55/26/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

15/26/2026

Snowy Egret

15/26/2026

Green Heron

15/26/2026

Great Egret

75/26/2026

Brown Pelican

15/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

55/26/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/26/2026

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 James Island County Park for birding?
The best months to visit James Island County Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at James Island County Park?
Notable species at James Island County Park include Osprey, Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Chickadee, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at James Island County Park?
Birding at James Island County Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at James Island County Park?
James Island County Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.