Once you start noticing, birds are everywhere. That makes birdwatching among the most popular outdoor hobbies, with more than 45 million birders nationwide. In fact, birding contributes about $80 billion to the U.S. economy each year.
Whether you’ve picked up your first pair of binoculars or you’re an experienced birder, Kiawah Island offers an array of birdwatching ops. After all, more than 200 species of birds make their home on Kiawah Island.
Use this handy checklist to record your sightings. Take a Birding for Beginners class or Back Island Birding tour with the Kiawah Island Recreation Department. If you prefer to explore on your own, just grab the long lens, put on the bug spray and you’re set for an adventure.
Beaches for Birdwatching
Of course, shorebirds can be found on the beaches, marshes, and rivers around Kiawah Island. A short time on the beach brings sightings of small birds like Wilson’s Plover and Sanderling as well as larger species like Great Blue Herons, Marbled Godwit, Herring Gulls, and Brown Pelicans.
Birding in the Wetlands
Mudflats, lagoons and tidal creeks are prime viewing spots for the Ruddy Turnstone and Willet. The area’s wetlands are also teeming with ducks of all varieties including Buffleheads, the Pied-Billed Grebe and Blue-Winged Teals. You could catch sight of a White Ibis, Black-Crowned Night-Heron and a Belted Kingfisher.
More Spots for Birdwatching on Kiawah Island
Explore inland dunes, pine trees and shrubs like those around the golf course and driving range to view forest birds like the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Barn Swallow, Pine Warbler and Great Crested Flycatcher.
Book Kiawah Island Rentals
Call one of our Kiawah Island vacation rental your birdwatching home base for great proximity to this nature lover’s playground. Windswept Villas are oceanfront units with private balconies and ocean views from almost every room. 50 Inlet Cove is a three-bedroom cottage along a tidal creek of the Kiawah River just three blocks from the beach. 13 Avocet Lane, a private home located on the Vanderhorst Plantation, is surrounded by lush nature and beauty with Canvasback Lake and lagoon views.
Whichever Kiawah Island rental you choose, you’ll find everything you need to indulge during your stay. Just don’t forget the binoculars.