Field Trip Schedule and Descriptions

Field Trip Descriptions

Half-day trips

Trips 1 & 28: Caw Caw Interpretive Center

Located near Ravenel, this Charleston County Park is situated on land that was once historic rice plantations. The park consists of 1,000 acres of diverse coastal habitats including cypress/tupelo swamps, a tidal saltmarsh, freshwater and brackish water impoundments, and upland and bottomland forests. The property is accessed by six miles of trails and offers easy and quality birding. Over 250 species of birds have been documented in the park (155 in September), and we hope to find marsh and wading birds, owls, vireos, wrens, migrant warblers, and other passerines.
Approximate travel time: 45 minutes
Facilities: Restrooms available.
Access: $2/person fee to enter the County Park. This trip will involve easy to moderate walking.

Trips 2 & 8: Francis Beidler Forest (Audubon, SC)

This Audubon sanctuary contains a portion of what is considered the largest remaining old-growth cypress-tupelo swamp in the world, known as Four Holes Swamp. Participants will experience the majestic wonder of this swampland along a 1.75 mile boardwalk. Birds we hope to find include Yellow-crowned Night-Heron and other wading birds including Wood Stork, a variety of woodpeckers, owls, and migrating songbirds. A Limpkin was recently observed and photographed here.
Approximate Travel Time: 30 minutes
Facilities: Restrooms available
Access: $12/person fee. This trip involves easy walking on a wooden boardwalk. Participants should be prepared for possible mosquitoes by wearing appropriate clothing and bringing insect repellent.

Trip 3: Seabrook Island North Beach

Seabrook Island is just south of Kiawah Island and north of Edisto Island and Deveaux Bank, all very rich in bird species. The birding at North Beach will traverse maritime forest and dunes and then onto the beach up to Captain Sam's Inlet. During September, gulls, terns, and shorebirds are concentrated at high tide roosts, and migrating raptors can be seen in the skies. Twenty shorebird species have been recorded here in September, including Red Knot, five plover species (Piping Plover), Whimbrel, and Marbled Godwit. Be sure to collect any color band combinations and numbers on Red Knots and Piping Plovers if observed. Twelve species of gulls and terns have been recorded and you may spot a Merlin or Peregrine migrating down the beach. Reddish Egret is known from this location in the recent past.
Approximate Travel Time: 1 hour
Facilities: Restrooms and snacks/drinks are available at Freshfield's just outside the entrance to Seabrook Island.
Access: Walking is fairly easy but there is a long hike to Captain Sam's Inlet and back. No fee.

Trip 4: Mingo Point/Kiawah Island

Mingo Point and destinations on Kiawah Island offer extensive salt marsh, maritime forest, and dunes and beaches to locate resident and migrating birds in September. Mingo Point alone has recorded over 100 species in September, and has gulls, terns, wading birds, raptors, warblers, and dozens of other passerines that migrant along the coast. A walk out to the high tide roost on East Beach should produce high numbers of species, including shorebirds, terns, gulls, and wading birds, possibly Reddish Egret.
Approximate Travel Time: 1 hour
Facilities: Restrooms are available at Mingo Point and just outside the entrance to the gated communities.
Access: Birding at Mingo Point is an easy walk, and birding on Kiawah Island proper will be by van or driving and stopping. No fee.

Trip 5: Kiawah Bird Banding Station and Johns Island County Park (maximum of 10 persons

This special trip will include birding in a maritime forest with a visit to a bird banding station and birding at the new Johns Island County Park. We will most likely see a good variety of migrating passerines (warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, vireos; 108 species have been recorded here in September) being captured and handled for banding on Kiawah Island. At Johns Island County Park, we can expect a great diversity of forest and open habitat birds, particularly during migration.
Approximate travel time: 1 hour
Facilities: Restrooms are available at parking lot at the beginning and end of the trip. Bring snacks and water.
Access: This trip involves a strenuous one mile walk each way to the banding station. Participants should be prepared to get their feet wet and for full sun conditions and possible mosquitoes. Entry Fee to the county park is $1.

Trip 6: Butterfly Walk Ft. Moultrie National Monument

This will be a leisurely trip led by Dr. Dennis Forsythe at Ft. Moultrie National Monument on Sullivan's Island, SC. The grasslands, maritime forest, and dunes will be explored for butterflies, although good birding is available in the same area. This is only a two hour walk from 10am to noon.
Approximate Travel time: 45 minutes
Facilities: Yes, at Ft. Moultrie Visitor Center
Access: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and water. There are many places locally on the island to obtain food and water. No fee.

Trip 9: ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge

The ACE Basin NWR lies in the heart of the ACE Basin, “One of the last great places on Earth.” We will bird the Grove Plantation area, the surrounding forests, and managed wetlands. Much of the area is freshwater wetlands in old rice fields, and other major habitat types are mixed hardwood-pine, bottomland hardwood, longleaf pine, and early successional grasslands/field. Approximately 100 species have been observed here in September, with a diversity of waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and passerines. This area is known for Wood Storks, Bald Eagles, other raptors, and the exceptional diversity of migratory land birds in September.
Approximate Travel Time: 1 hour
Facilities- Restrooms at Refuge Office.
Access: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, snacks, and water as needed. No fee.

Trip 10 & 30: Old Santee Canal Park

Old Santee Canal Park commemorates the area's rich history and habitat. Among its attractions are the Stony Landing House, built in 1843, and four miles of boardwalks that meander through the quiet backwaters of Biggin Creek and its surrounding swamp. Beyond its historical offerings, the park has become a popular destination for bird watchers, hikers, paddlers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The park has many rich habitats from pine trees, mixed hardwoods, open fields, and freshwater swamp, which allow for a wide diversity of species any time of year. The location along the Cooper River, and proximity to Lake Moultrie, make it an ideal spot during spring and fall migration. Currently boasting 170 species on eBird, come discover this hidden gem. Likely birds include migrant warblers, wading birds, owls, raptors, and ducks.
Approximate Travel Time: 30 minutes
Facilities- Restrooms, AC, water fountain.
Access: $3/person, $2/seniors, military, AAA, FREE/Children 6 and under.

Trip 11: Santee National Wildlife Refuge (Pine Island Unit)

The Pine Island Unit of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses open water, hardwood and pine forests, freshwater marsh, cultivated fields, old fields, impoundments, and cypress swamps. This refuge is known for waterfowl and water birds, but during September, the forests, vine tangles, and fields are especially productive for migrating passerines and many grassland species. This unit of the refuge is more forested and has more early successional habitats, attracting migrant passerines, including warblers, buntings, grosbeaks, and flycatchers. Approximately 300 species have been observed on the refuge with over half being observed in September. Forest, edge, and grassland species are the attraction on this unit.
Approximate travel time: 30 minutes
Facilities: No public restrooms are available at the refuge but there is a nearby service station with facilities, and some food and drinks. Access conditions: Some birding is by car, but mostly on foot on trails and service roads. Participants should be prepared for mosquitoes by wearing appropriate clothing and insect repellent, and please bring sunscreen. No fee.

Trip 12: Young/Beginner Birders Workshop (Caw Caw)

This trip is designed for those new to birding, but anyone can come along! Birding techniques will be discussed including how to view a bird, what type of diagnostic marks to look for, the importance of habitat, how to act, and even what to wear. The leader will explain how to use and what to look for in binoculars, scopes, and field guides. This workshop will be held at Caw Caw Interpretive Center and please be sure to bring along a bottle of water.
Approximate travel time: 45 minutes
Facilities: Restrooms available
Access: Classroom and field trip. Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Entrance fee is $2.

Trip 13: Photography Workshop (Old Santee Canal)

Here's an opportunity for birders to improve their photography skills whose primary interest is birding, but who also carry a modest “point and shoot” digital camera to document the birds they see. This will be a three hour course presented in three parts. The first segment will cover strategies for setting up your camera to get the best images in the most common situations (e.g. full sun, shade, on water, in flight, etc.). Attendees are encouraged to bring both their camera and their user manual. The second segment will be practicing what you've learned in the first session, and the third session will be back into the classroom to show you how to select and edit the best images to post on your eBird list. Everyone will get a handout with detailed notes from the course.
Approximate Travel Time: 30 minutes
Facilities- Restrooms, AC, water fountain.
Access: $3/person, $2/seniors, military, AAA, FREE/Children 6 and under.

Trip 21: Santee National Wildlife Refuge (Bluff Unit)

The Bluff Unit of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge encompasses open water, hardwood and pine forests, freshwater marsh, cultivated fields, old fields, impoundments, and cypress swamps. This refuge is known for waterfowl and water birds, but during September, the forests, vine tangles, and fields are especially productive for migrating passerines and many grassland species. Some waterfowl will be present but the main attraction at this time of the year are migrants, and due to the diversity of habitats, there will be an abundance of all groups of birds. The managed wetlands have held King and Black Rail, and Purple Gallinule in the past, and host most of the other species of wading birds.
Approximate travel time: 30 minutes
Facilities: No public restrooms are available at the refuge but there is a nearby service station with facilities, and some food and drinks.
Access: Some birding is by car, but mostly on foot on trails and service roads. Participants should be prepared for mosquitoes by wearing appropriate clothing and insect repellent, and please bring sunscreen. No fee.

Trip 22: Pine Bluff (Audubon SC)

Pine Bluff is a newly acquired property by Audubon South Carolina, and contains small lakes, pine and pine/hardwood forests, open grasslands, and bottomland forests along the Edisto River. This is an excellent place for sparrows, Loggerhead Shrike, Red-headed Woodpeckers, wrens (Marsh, Sedge, Carolina), migrating passerines during migration, and early successional species.
Approximate Travel time: 30 minutes
Facilities: There are no facilities at Pine Bluff. Restrooms, snacks, and drinks are available at a convenience store after exiting the interstate.
Access: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and water. No fee.

Trip 23: Lighthouse Heritage Preserve (Folly Island)

Lighthouse Heritage Preserve is a county park located at the north end of Folly Island. It is the site of an old Coast Guard station and provides a resting and foraging area for passerines migrating and is a migrant “trap” during periods of active migration along the coast. There is extensive maritime forest, beach and dune habitat, open ocean, and extensive exposed mud flats and exposed sand bars at or near high tide. All of these areas provide excellent habitat for resident and migrant species. This is one place rarities often show up. Approximately 150 species have been observed here in September with 24 species of warblers over time. Shorebirds, terns, gulls, and passerines abound here during migration.
Approximate Travel time: 1 hour
Facilities: Restrooms, snacks, drinks, and food are available prior to arriving at the Preserve in the town of Folly Beach.
Access: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and water. There are many places locally on the island to obtain food and water. $1 entry fee.

Trip 24: Ft. Moultrie/Breach Inlet

Ft. Moultrie and Breach Inlet are on Sullivan's Island, with Ft. Moultrie now known as the migrant hotspot around the Charleston Harbor. Ft. Moultrie supports grasslands, maritime forest, beach and dune, the Intracoastal Waterway, and includes a nature trail through the forest bordering the dunes and beach. Migrating passerines and grassland birds can be in high numbers here, along with migrating hawks, falcons, and eagles. Breach Inlet is located between Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms and is well known for migrating shorebirds (Red Knot), terns, gulls, with some sea ducks and seabirds later in the season. Recent rarities here were Gray and Tropical Kingbird.
Approximate Travel time: 35 minutes
Facilities: Yes, at Ft. Moultrie Visitor Center
Access: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and water. There are many places locally on the island to obtain food and water. No fee.

Trip 25: Ft. Lamar/Melton Demetre Park

Ft. Lamar and Melton Demetre Park (Sunrise Park) are two little known yet very productive birding areas in the Charleston Harbor. Ft. Lamar is a Civil War era fort James Island. It is primarily maritime forest surrounded by tidal marsh and can be full of migrant passerines during late September, 22 species of warblers have been observed here. Surrounded by tidal estuary, wading birds, terns, and other marsh associated species are also found here. Sunrise Park is also on James Island and on the southern side of the harbor, with open views of the shoreline and harbor. Migrating passerines, waterfowl, water birds, and passerines can be found in this small area.
Approximate Travel time: 40 minutes
Facilities: Restrooms are available at Sunrise Park, but not Ft. Lamar. There are numerous convenience stores/service stations along the way to provide facilities.
Access: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and water. There are many local places to obtain food and water and lunch if necessary. No fee.

Trip 26: I'on Swamp Road Loop drive, Francis Marion National Forest

This 8+mile loop drive begins on Hwy. 17 in Awendaw, SC and includes I'on Swamp Rd., Willow Hall Rd., and the Kinsey Motorway. There are Red-cockaded Woodpeckers here along with other open mature pine species: Bachman's Sparrow, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Summer Tanager. The drive goes through the swamp where we will find migrant passerines and other forested wetlands species. We will drive near pocosins and other early successional habitats. This trip is mostly for forest birds, both upland pine and forested wetlands, and includes mature and early successional habitats of these forest types. Pitcher plant bogs are near the borders of these pocosins.
Approximate Travel time: 45 minutes
Facilities: There are no restrooms here, but there are convenience stores on the way that provide restrooms, water, and snacks.
Access: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and water. There is a store in Awendaw that provides restrooms, food, and drinks. No fee.

Trip 29: Orangeburg Sod Farms

The Orangeburg Sod Farms are privately owned, allowing visitation by birders. This area is well known for its sometimes spectacular shorebird migration, with specialties such as American Golden-Plover, Upland Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Other local residents include grassland and open field species such as Northern Bobwhite, Common Ground-Dove, Horned Lark, Loggerhead Shrike and others. 135 species have been observed here in September, 22 of these shorebird species.
Approximate travel time: 45 minutes
Facilities: Restrooms and food stops will be available en route.
Access: Birding at the sod farms will involve mostly roadside stops but conditions can be muddy. Do not drive on the sod and bird-ers must respect the grounds and work crews to have continued access to this area. No fee.

Trip 31: Pitt St. Causeway/Patriot's Point

These hotspots are in Mount Pleasant, SC. Pitt St. Causeway will be birded at low tide when the mudflats are exposed, attracting shorebirds, wading birds, terns and gulls. Reddish Egret is sometimes found here. 119 species have been observed here in Sep-tember; 20 species of shorebirds, 14 species of terns/gulls, 18 species of wading birds, and is a great spot for swallows, wrens, warblers, and raptors during migration. Patriot's Point is nearby and is known for migrating passerines, and there is an observation platform overlooking the harbor for views of water birds and waterfowl.
Approximate Travel time: 45 minutes
Facilities: There are no restrooms at these places, but there are numerous convenience stores nearby with restrooms, food, snacks, and drinks.
Access: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and water. No fee.

Trip 32: Edisto Nature Trail

The Edisto Nature Trail is in Jacksonboro and is a nature trail maintained by Wesvaco Corporation. There are two loop trails, the longest being about 1.5 miles. Walking can be slippery and on uneven ground with roots. This area supports open mature pines, hardwood forests, bottomland hardwoods, and bald cypress stands. Forest species abound here; vireos, flycatchers, thrushes, warblers, and hawks and owls.
Approximate Travel time: 50 minutes
Facilities: There are no facilities, a truck stop is approximately 1 mile from the trailhead, with adequate restrooms, food, and drinks.
Access: Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and water. No fee.

Trip 40: Search for Rarities

Attempts to relocate rarities that had been seen over the weekend

All-day trips

Trip 15 & 34: Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge

Located 20 miles from Charleston and accessed only by boat, Cape Romain NWR's 66,000-acre ecosystem of barrier islands and saltmarsh habitats extend 22 miles along the coast. This is the gem of the South Carolina coast and a must for birding in the low-country. This special resource is part of the Carolinian-South Atlantic Biosphere Reserve, being of international significance due to its high conservation value and educational importance. It was also recently designated part of the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network. Participants on this trip will explore by boat the saltmarsh estuaries at different tides, seeking out concentrations of migrating shorebirds, marsh (sparrows and rails) and wading birds, gulls, and terns. After exploring the estuaries and marshes, we will then debark for land birding on Bulls Island where we hope to pick up migrating raptors and songbirds, including warblers, vireos, tanagers, flycatchers, etc. Our boat leaves at 7:30am and our estimated return is 3:30 PM to Garris Landing. Nearly 300 species have been observed here, with over 150 species observed in September. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure (7am). This field trip is a special charter through Coastal Expeditions and there is a $40.00/person fee, and cash, check, and cards (fee) are accepted on site at Garris Landing.
Approximate travel time: 45 minutes to Garris Landing, located at the end of Bulls Island Road near the small village of Awendaw
Facilities: Public restroom at Garris Landing and near the Dominick House on Bulls Island.
Access: Some of our time will be spent on open water in a boat en route to Bulls Island. At Bulls Island, expect a long hike that is easy to moderate walking conditions and through loose, possibly muddy soils. Depending on weather, participants should prepare for full sun exposure and carry insect repellent. Bring any food, lunch, and water/drinks. $40 fee.

Trip 16 & 37: Bear Island Wildlife Management Area

Managed by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Bear Island ranks as one of South Carolina's top birding destinations. It consists of 17,000 acres in the heart of the ACE Basin, a multi-partnered complex of significant wildlife resources and habitats. It is also an Important Bird Area. Bear Island consists of brackish managed wetlands, marshes, hardwood and pine forests, and open fields. It is accessed by miles of dikes that offer opportunities to see a variety of birds such as Mottled Duck, birds of prey including Barn Owl, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, American White Pelican, Least Bittern, American Avocet and others. Depending on water level conditions, Bear Island can be excellent for migrating shorebirds, and transient songbirds. 191 species have been recorded here in September.
Approximate travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Facilities: No public restrooms are available at Bear Island, though a truck stop is on the way in Jacksonboro. A small store at Bennett's Point has limited restroom facilities and available snacks and drinks. However, please prepare for no facilities after Jacksonboro, and bring lunch, drinks, and snacks.
Access: We will mostly be driving and walking dikes in the area. Participants should be prepared for full sun exposure and mosquitoes by wearing appropriate clothing, insect repellent, and sunscreen. No fee.

Trip 17 & 35: Dewees Island

Dewees Island is a private island that is zoned for Natural Resource Management. There is a conservation easement over the island and there are many ongoing conservation projects on the island with many local partners. Birding will be done by golf cart and access is by ferry. This island has pristine habitats of beach and dune, where at high tide shorebirds, terns, and gulls congregate. Other pristine habitats are the tidal marsh and maritime forest. Old House Lagoon holds waterfowl, and wading birds are numerous, and this is one of the best spots for Roseate Spoonbill. During migration shorebirds abound, along with passerines in the forests, and raptors in the skies. 140 species have been observed here in September.
Approximate Travel time: 45 minutes
Facilities: Yes, at the Huyler House and the Nature Center.
Access: Access is by ferry which promptly leaves at 8am from the mainland and 330pm from the island, anyone late will be left behind with no access to ferry until the next hour. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and water. Bring lunch, snacks, and water/drinks for the day. Ferry fees have been waived.

Trip 18: Black River Cypress Preserve

Black River Cypress Preserve is in Georgetown County and is a private property being conserved by The Nature Conservancy. It is approximately 500 acres and includes extensive Bald Cypress stands in the Black River watershed. Other habitats include mature pine stands, bottomland hardwoods, and early successional shrub/scrub areas. This area is being developed for passive recreation and very much underbirded. Expected species are mature forest and early successional migrants, as well as the many resident species. 1000 year old cypress trees are here, as are many oxbow lakes. Forested wetland and forest species are numerous here, as are hawks and owls.
Approximate Travel Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Facilities: There are restrooms at the entrance. Food, drink, and snacks should be obtained ahead of time or along the route.
Access: There are several miles of trails within the Preserve, all with relatively even surfaces. No fee.

Trip 19 & 38: Santee Coastal Reserve and Delta

Designated an Important Bird Area, Santee Coastal Reserve encompasses 24,000 acres of varied habitat including pine forests, fresh-water, brackish and tidal wetlands, and agricultural fields. Look for species typical of longleaf ecosystems including Bachman's Sparrow and Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Waterfowl, rails, and a variety of marsh wading birds, bitterns, and migrating shorebirds and passerines are expected. The Big Well wetlands behind the office are now specifically managed for shorebirds. Santee Delta is an adjacent 1,700-acre resource containing remnant historic rice fields and bottomland hardwoods. It can be very good for rails and fall migrants. We will visit there if time permits. 162 species have been recorded here in September.
Approximate travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Facilities: No public restrooms available on site but efforts will be made to stop in McClellanville while en route where snacks and drinks are also available.
Access: Mostly birding by car on the entrance road to the office complex, but most by walking on dirt roads and dikes for substantial distances once parked. Participants should be prepared for mosquitoes by wearing appropriate clothing and insect repellent, and please bring sunscreen. Attendees are required to wear an orange hat, coat, or vest to comply with hunting regulations during these dates (archery deer season). No fee.

Trip 36: Santee National Wildlife Refuge (Bluff and Pine Island Units)

The Bluff and Pine Island Units of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge encompass open water, hardwood and pine forests, freshwater marsh, cultivated fields, old fields, impoundments, and cypress swamps. This refuge is known for waterfowl and water birds, but during September, the forests, vine tangles, and fields are especially productive for migrating passerines and many grassland species. Waterbirds are also numerous at this time of the year and approximately 300 species have been observed on the refuge with over half being observed in September. Some waterfowl will be present but the main attraction at this time of the year are migrants, and due to the diversity of habitats, there will be an abundance of all groups of birds.
Approximate travel time: 30 minutes
Facilities: No public restrooms are available at the refuge but there is a nearby service station with facilities, and some food and drinks.
Access: Some birding is by car, but mostly on foot on trails and service roads. Participants should be prepared for mosquitoes by wearing appropriate clothing and insect repellent, and please bring sunscreen. No fee.

Meeting Notes

• The times listed are when the cars are lined up in the parking lot and leaving. Please be there at least 10 minutes early and identify yourself to the leader. Field trip leaders cell phone numbers will be provided.
• If you decide not to go on a trip, either scratch through your name beforehand on the supplied lists or show up at the meeting place and tell someone. Please be sure to check the trip sheets at the registration desks for any changes to the field trip details!
• There will be a sheet with all directions for your trips emailed to you in advance and copies will be provided at registration with field trip sheets.
• You are encouraged to review and utilize eBird for the species that occur at each of these eBird hotspots, particularly for September and October. All but two of the areas are eBird hotspots (Pine Bluff and Black River Cypress Preserve).
• All trips depart from the hotel in the parking lot. Look for the placard with your trip number. There will be a sheet with all directions for your trips e-mailed to you in advance. Please bring it on each trip as caravans sometimes break down, and, if so, you'll still be able to get to the trip site. Get the leader's cell number before you leave, just in case.
• Food for purchase during field trips may be somewhat limited. Accordingly, plan to take snacks and beverages with you, and be sure to pack a lunch for the all-day trips.
• Sunscreen and insect repellant should be brought along on all trips. Please check weather conditions for the need of rain gear.
• We try to take as few vehicles as possible on field trips in order to save fuel, make caravanning easier, and to make better use of the limited parking that exists at some stops. Please plan on carpooling, and if you would like to drive and have room for new or old friends, please let your trip leader know when you arrive for your outing.
• The Saturday evening dinner will be a catered Lowcountry Boil (shrimp, sausage, red potatoes, corn on the cob), along with a variety of vegetables and salad. A batch of potatoes and corn will be cooked separately from the shrimp and sausage. Chicken is also availa-ble as a main dish. Plenty of vegetables and salad will be available for a vegetarian diet. There will be an assortment of lowcountry desserts available (banana pudding, Huguenot tortes, Blondies), iced tea and water—low price of $20!