Savannah National Wildlife Refuge

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 282 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, and American Coot 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

Willet (Eastern)

Tringa semipalmata

3/4/2026Tybee Island--South Beach1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

3/4/2026Private Residence, Tybee Island US-GA1 observed

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

3/3/2026Tom Triplett Park75 observed

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

3/2/202629 S Live Oak Rd, Hilton Head Island US-SC 32.12963, -80.786871 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

Blue-winged Teal

23/2/2026

Ring-necked Duck

473/2/2026

American Coot

133/2/2026

Anhinga

13/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/2/2026

Glossy Ibis

13/2/2026

Blue Jay

33/2/2026

Common Gallinule

62/22/2026

Killdeer

32/22/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

12/22/2026

Forster's Tern

12/22/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/22/2026

White Ibis

12/22/2026

Little Blue Heron

302/22/2026

Snowy Egret

402/22/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

12/22/2026

Great Egret

32/22/2026

Great Blue Heron

22/22/2026

Black Vulture

22/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

302/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 for birding?
The best months to visit Savannah National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, American Coot, Anhinga, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge?
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.