Wetland birding habitat

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 282 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, 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

Eastern Towhee (Red-eyed)

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

7/20/2026Savannah Home-Personal Hotspot1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

7/20/20262165 Old Augusta Rd S, Rincon US-GA 32.24989, -81.188232 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/19/2026Scott’s Wild Bird Preserve1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/17/2026Savannah Home-Personal Hotspot1 observed

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

7/15/2026Savannah NWR--Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)5 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

7/15/2026Savannah NWR--Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)3 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/15/2026Savannah NWR--Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)8 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

7/15/2026Savannah NWR--Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)14 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

7/15/2026Savannah NWR--Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

17/21/2026

Green Heron

17/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/21/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Least Tern

17/20/2026

Snowy Egret

27/20/2026

Osprey

17/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

207/20/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

17/20/2026

Purple Gallinule

47/20/2026

Anhinga

117/20/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

267/20/2026

Northern Cardinal

107/20/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/20/2026

Common Gallinule

57/20/2026

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

27/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/20/2026

Little Blue Heron

17/20/2026

Black Vulture

27/20/2026

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 Savannah National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Savannah National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, American Coot, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge?
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.