Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)

Georgia · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY) is a productive birding destination in Georgia, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, King Rail, and Clapper Rail among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/6/2026Lake Mayer5 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/6/20261 Modena Rd, Savannah US-GA 31.92763, -81.040492 observed

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

3/6/20261 Modena Rd, Savannah US-GA 31.92763, -81.0404920 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

3/5/2026Savannah NWR--Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/3/2026Tom Triplett Park75 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

3/2/2026Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr, Hardeeville US-SC 32.14630, -81.099501 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

3/2/2026Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr, Hardeeville US-SC 32.16549, -81.115111 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

23/4/2026

King Rail

13/4/2026

Clapper Rail

73/4/2026

Common Gallinule

953/4/2026

American Coot

773/4/2026

Killdeer

43/4/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

93/4/2026

Least Sandpiper

363/4/2026

Forster's Tern

13/4/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/4/2026

Anhinga

963/4/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/4/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

33/4/2026

Little Blue Heron

13/4/2026

Tricolored Heron

23/4/2026

Snowy Egret

43/4/2026

Great Egret

23/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

403/4/2026

Osprey

13/4/2026

Bald Eagle

13/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY) for birding?
The best months to visit Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)?
Notable species at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY) include Mourning Dove, King Rail, Clapper Rail, Common Gallinule, American Coot. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)?
Birding at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY)?
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge - Onslow Island (public access on Wednesdays ONLY) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.