Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 260 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, and American Oystercatcher 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

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

3/6/2026Edisto Beach--Helena Inlet Sound9 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/4/2026Caw Caw Interpretive Center1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

3/4/2026Harbor Island Beach (restricted access)6 observed

American Black Duck

Anas rubripes

3/3/2026Bear Island WMA (fall and winter restricted access)2 observed

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

3/3/2026Harbor Island (restricted access)5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Pileated Woodpecker

13/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

White-eyed Vireo

23/4/2026

Blue Jay

23/4/2026

Fish Crow

13/4/2026

Tufted Titmouse

33/4/2026

Barn Swallow

53/4/2026

Brown Creeper

13/4/2026

Northern Mockingbird

23/4/2026

American Robin

83/4/2026

House Finch

53/4/2026

White-throated Sparrow

33/4/2026

Eastern Towhee

33/4/2026

Pine Warbler

33/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

53/4/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

13/4/2026

Northern Cardinal

53/4/2026

Bufflehead

13/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/1/2026

American Oystercatcher

23/1/2026

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 Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area include Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, American Oystercatcher, Willet, Laughing Gull. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area?
Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.