a large body of water surrounded by trees

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 288 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Pied-billed Grebe, and Wood Stork 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

Purple Gallinule

47/20/2026

Anhinga

117/20/2026

Snowy Egret

37/20/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

267/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/20/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

47/20/2026

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

Green Heron

27/20/2026

Black Vulture

27/20/2026

Osprey

17/20/2026

Swallow-tailed Kite

27/20/2026

Mississippi Kite

47/20/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Tufted Titmouse

37/20/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr for birding?
The best months to visit Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr?
Notable species at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr include Blue-winged Teal, Pied-billed Grebe, Wood Stork, Anhinga, White Ibis, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Cardinal, Tree Swallow, American Robin, House Finch, Brown-headed Cowbird, Mourning Dove. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr?
Birding at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr?
There is no entrance fee at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr?
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.