Go birding around Charleston

Whether you enjoy spotting them on your walks along the beach, watching them play around your backyard birdfeeder, or have made a trip to The Avian Conservation Center & Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw, here’s a guide to help spot our feathered friends from land to marsh this fall.

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 | This regular bird walk takes place at the Caw Caw Interpretive Center. 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
  Second Friday of each month | 8:30-10:30 a.m. | 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 a number of bird species seen in South Carolina.

Holy City Birding is a group that offers 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
  This is a conservation center in Awendaw that’s 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.