6. Go Bird Watching

Photo by Ed Funk

In December, 2010, the local chapter of the Audubon Society conducted their Annual Christmas Bird Count.  It revealed the highest ever number of species (151) and number of birds (36,041).

Hilton Head’s bird population catches your attention immediately.  Large blue herons and white egrets pose handsomely beside lagoons and marshes.  Dark and spooky anhingas look magnificent as they stretch their wings out to dry, and gulls and sandpipers scold you on the beach.  Both the amateur and the avid birdwatcher quickly recognize Hilton Head as a prime place for birding.

All species of herons, egrets, and ibises seen in North America are present in the Hilton Head area.  The casual bird lover will see plenty of feathered creatures on almost any guided nature tour.  Guides and naturalists will be able to identify the most common species for you.

For more specialized birding, two places on Hilton Head have qualified with the State of South Carolina as “Important Birding Areas”:  Ibis Pond in Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge and the islands in Lake Mary in Sea Pines Forest Preserve.   Both sites are home to densely populated rookeries in springtime.  Other ideal birding locations are Fish Haul Creek Park at the end of Beach City Road, and the Audubon Newhall Preserve on Palmetto Bay Road.

Birding is so popular and such an essential part of the Lowcountry that a number of guided tours around the area specialize in bird watching. You can tour on foot or by bike, kayak, or boats ranging in size from large double-deck ships to canopied boats, from large sailboats and catamarans to small Zodiac rafts or Florida flat boats.  Most tours are offered daily year around and are an educational adventure great for all ages.

Also see “Things To Do”:
1.       Learn About Our Wildlife
4.      Take a Guided Eco-Tour
5.      Photograph Nature with a Pro
9.      Explore the Sea Pines Preserve
59.    Check Out Our Parks & Playgrounds