More than ever, people are looking to connect with nature in 2020. As a result, an age-old pastime is making a BIG comeback. That’s right, birdwatching. Downloads of bird-identification apps have spiked, and sales of bird feeders, nesting boxes and birdseed have soared during the pandemic (LATimes.com, 2 May 2020). Birders set a world record in May at Global Big Day, an annual bird-spotting event, reporting two million birds observed and 6,479 species recorded (NYTimes.com, 29 May 2020). There’s just something about observing our feathered friends that is soothing our souls during these uncertain times. What’s more, since social distancing is still recommended, the often-secluded hobby offers travelers a fun way to explore while remaining safe.For South Carolina, the birding trend is nothing new. The state has long been legendary for its birdwatching hot spots, where more than 430 species can be seen. South Carolina offers a diverse array of habitat and birdlife in a state small enough to hit many high points in a single weekend, making it a superb destination for both new bird nerds and seasoned wing nuts.
- Huntington Beach State Park is considered by many to be the best birding spot on the East Coast, with more than 300 species sighted in the park's 2,500 acres.
- Lake Murray, considered the jewel of South Carolina's birding scene, comes to life as the Purple Martins arrive for their summer vacation. It is estimated that more than one million birds venture north for the summer and roost on the island, giving spectators a rare look at one of nature’s true phenomena.
- More than 250 species of birds have been seen in the Ravenel Caw Caw Interpretive Center’s 654 acres, including rare Prothonotary warblers, swallow-tailed kites and indigo buntings.
- Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge on the Atlantic coast hosts nearly 300 migratory and resident bird species, including oystercatchers, wood storks, peregrine falcons and “life list” birds like the long-billed curlew.
- The 60-acre Audubon Swamp Garden features a network of boardwalks, bridges and dykes where visitors can observe hundreds of great egrets, snowy egrets, great blue herons, little blue herons and other waterfowl nesting each year.