Whether you’re bird-spotting on your beach walks, watching your backyard feeder, or enjoy visiting Awendaw’s Center for Birds of Prey, here’s a guide to help spot our local feathered friends — from land to marsh and everywhere in between.
Join the experts
Charleston County Parks has an extensive birding program and several regular events you can join to learn about the local species.
- Early Morning Bird Walks | Wednesdays + Saturdays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Caw Caw Interpretive Center | $0+ | At this regular bird walk, you’ll explore ways to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. Pro tip: The route is a flat loop + benches are available along the trail route. The trails are unpaved.
- Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve Bird Walks | Select Fridays | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve | $12 | Focused on the Northeast end of Folly Island, this walk explores protected maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh wildlife habitats. Fun Fact: This site is a leader in the number of bird species seen in the Palmetto State.
Private, group, and custom tours
- Holy City Birding
This group offers opportunities at several Holy City locations, like the Pitt Street Bridge, Hampton Park, and even a Beginner Birder Tour. Start exploring.
Get wild
- Avian Conservation Center + Center for Birds of Prey
The conservation center in Awendaw is home to ~50 species of birds. You can get up close to wild birds through flight demonstrations and the center’s educational programs.
Navigate on your own
If you’re looking to bird-watch a little closer to home, you should know that putting out a tube feeder is just the beginning. Get started in the wide world of bird feeding with our guide to keeping you popular with the local birds. Here’s a look at what you might expect on the patio.
