Heritage Shores Nature Preserve

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Heritage Shores Nature Preserve is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Bufflehead among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Bachman's Sparrow

Peucaea aestivalis

3/2/2026Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve10 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

3/2/2026Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve1 observed

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

3/2/2026Sunset Beach Park1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/2/2026Carl Bazemore Bird Walk2 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

3/2/2026776 Dragonfly Dr, Myrtle Beach US-SC 33.75558, -78.87160back yard2 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

2/28/2026Carl Bazemore Bird Walk1 observed

Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich)

Passerculus sandwichensis

2/24/2026Waties Island1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

2/22/20262002 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach US-SC (33.6996,-78.8708)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

63/2/2026

Mallard

13/2/2026

Bufflehead

93/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/2/2026

Mourning Dove

63/2/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

13/2/2026

Laughing Gull

33/2/2026

Ring-billed Gull

83/2/2026

Forster's Tern

13/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

153/2/2026

Little Blue Heron

23/2/2026

Tricolored Heron

43/2/2026

Great Egret

53/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/2/2026

Brown Pelican

23/2/2026

Black Vulture

13/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

33/2/2026

Osprey

43/2/2026

Northern Harrier

13/2/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Heritage Shores Nature Preserve for birding?
The best months to visit Heritage Shores Nature Preserve for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Heritage Shores Nature Preserve?
Notable species at Heritage Shores Nature Preserve include Canada Goose, Mallard, Bufflehead, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Heritage Shores Nature Preserve?
Birding at Heritage Shores Nature Preserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Heritage Shores Nature Preserve?
Heritage Shores Nature Preserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.