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

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Savannah NWR--Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

5/30/2026Tybee Island--North Beach1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

5/29/2026Savannah NWR--Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

5/27/2026Onslow Island (Restricted Access)2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/25/2026Savannah Home-Personal Hotspot1 observed

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

5/22/2026I-16 E, Bloomingdale US-GA (32.1273,-81.3910)1 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

5/20/2026Savannah NWR--Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)2 observed

Limpkin

Aramus guarauna

5/20/20264400 U.S. 278, Hardeeville, South Carolina, US (32.309, -80.994)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Common Gallinule

46/1/2026

Killdeer

46/1/2026

Least Tern

26/1/2026

Anhinga

16/1/2026

Snowy Egret

16/1/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

16/1/2026

Great Egret

26/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

Osprey

16/1/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

326/1/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

56/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

26/1/2026

Wood Duck

25/31/2026

Common Nighthawk

45/31/2026

Clapper Rail

45/31/2026

Purple Gallinule

35/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

45/31/2026

White Ibis

405/31/2026

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.