Waties Island

South Carolina · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Waties Island is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, and Mourning Dove 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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hooded Merganser

52/24/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

22/24/2026

Mourning Dove

32/24/2026

Black-bellied Plover

62/24/2026

Semipalmated Plover

82/24/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

152/24/2026

Willet

22/24/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

222/24/2026

Red Knot

32/24/2026

Sanderling

212/24/2026

Dunlin

1132/24/2026

Western Sandpiper

12/24/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

992/24/2026

Laughing Gull

192/24/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

12/24/2026

Forster's Tern

302/24/2026

Royal Tern

22/24/2026

Horned Grebe

52/24/2026

Red-throated Loon

12/24/2026

Common Loon

22/24/2026

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 Waties Island for birding?
The best months to visit Waties Island for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Waties Island?
Notable species at Waties Island include Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Mourning Dove, Black-bellied Plover, Semipalmated Plover. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Waties Island?
Birding at Waties Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Waties Island?
Waties Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.