Birding

From Piping Plovers at Folly Beach County Park to Painted Buntings at Palmetto Islands County Park, a wide variety of bird species can be seen within the Charleston County Park system.

One park in particular, Caw Caw Interpretive Center, is noted for its rich bird life. Located in Ravenel, Caw Caw is a birding hotspot for coastal South Carolina. Over 250 species of birds (DOC) have been seen among the many habitats on the Caw Caw property. Prothonotary warblers flash brilliant yellow in the cypress swamp during spring and summer months, just as swallow-tailed kites soar overhead. Summer also offers the chance to see the colorful painted bunting or the bright blue indigo bunting along the forest edges.
Birding at Caw Caw
Former rice fields provide year-round feeding grounds for egrets, herons, and ibises. In addition, a variety of waterfowl make Caw Caw their home in the winter.

Birding Programs


Birding programs are offered not only at Caw Caw, but at other CCPRC locations and statewide locations as well! 

Early Morning Bird Walks

  • Wednesdays and Saturdays
  • 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. followed by an optional checklist
  • Caw Caw Interpretive Center
  • Register online
Join us on one of our regular bird walks through many distinct habitats that allow us to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms. The cost is only $10 and no pre-registration is required.

Folly Beach Bird Walks

Birding experts from CCPRC and the Audubon South Carolina explore Folly Beach in this partnership program. The walks start at either Folly Beach County Park or the entrance to Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve.

Birding Trips

7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Meeting locations vary
Search for programs online.
    Join us as we explore nearby locations such as the Francis Marion National Forest, Huntington Beach State Park, and the sod farms near Orangeburg. Additional impromptu birding trips may arise.