Bird-Watching

Because of its abundance of both saltwater and freshwater environments and its relatively low human density, the Lowcountry [1] offers a stunning glimpse into the diversity and majesty of the Southeast’s bird population, both regional and migratory.

Serious birders swear by Hunting Island State Park [2] (2555 Sea Island Pkwy., 866/345-7275, www.huntingisland.com [3], daily 6 a.m.–6 p.m., until 9 p.m. DST, $4 adults, $1.50 children), which thanks to its undeveloped state and its spot on key migratory routes makes it a great place to see brown pelicans, loons, herons, falcons, plovers, and egrets of all types. Park naturalists conduct frequent guided walks.

The tall observation tower at Port Royal [4]’s The Sands, where Battery Creek joins the Beaufort River, is a convenient vantage point from which to see any number of local bird species.

The big, wild ACE Basin [5] (8675 Willtown Rd., 843/889-3084, www.fws.gov/acebasin [6], grounds year-round daylight–dark, office Mon.–Fri. 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.) hosts at least 19 species of waterfowl and 13 species of wading birds.

At the northeast corner of the ACE Basin is the Bear Island Wildlife Management Area (843/844-8957, www.dnr.sc.gov [7], Mon.–Sat. dawn–dusk Feb.–Oct.), considered one of the best birding spots in South Carolina. To get there, take U.S. 21 north out of Beaufort [8] to U.S. 17 north. Take a right on Bennett’s Point Road and continue south about 13 miles. The entrance is about a mile on your left after crossing the Ashepoo River.