Francis Beidler Forest
Givhans Ferry State Park
Givhans Ferry State Park
Nestled deep within Four Holes Swamp, the Francis Beidler Forest is Dorchester County’s crown jewel for birdwatching and wildlife observation. This old-growth cypress-tupelo swamp, protected and managed by the National Audubon Society, offers a truly immersive nature experience. Visitors can walk a 1.75-mile boardwalk that winds through towering bald cypress trees, many of which are over a thousand years old. Along the way, you'll hear the flute-like song of the Prothonotary Warbler and the distant hoot of Barred Owls echoing through the forest. Beidler is also home to Wood Ducks, Red-shouldered Hawks, and an abundance of native reptiles and amphibians. With its tranquil beauty and biological diversity, this sanctuary is a must-visit destination for both seasoned birders and curious newcomers.
Givhans Ferry State Park
Givhans Ferry State Park
Givhans Ferry State Park
Located on the banks of the blackwater Edisto River, Givhans Ferry State Park offers a dynamic mix of habitats that attract a wide variety of birds and wildlife. The park’s scenic trails pass through dense hardwood forests and alongside sandy riverbanks, providing excellent vantage points for observing waterfowl, herons, and woodland birds like Brown Thrashers and Eastern Bluebirds. Birders can spend the morning hiking through the trees and the afternoon kayaking along the river, where they may spot Belted Kingfishers diving for fish or turtles sunning themselves on logs. The park also features campsites and picnic areas, making it easy to turn a birdwatching day trip into a weekend adventure.
Colonial Dorchester
Givhans Ferry State Park
Colonial Dorchester
At Colonial Dorchester, history and nature coexist in a uniquely South Carolinian setting. While the site is known for its 18th-century tabby fort walls and colonial ruins, it also offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching along the Ashley River. The easy walking trails wind through shaded groves and along the riverbank, creating ideal conditions for spotting migrating songbirds, woodpeckers, and wading birds like Great Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets. The park’s quiet ambiance makes it perfect for early morning visits when bird activity is at its peak. It’s a place where you can reflect on centuries of history while watching a hawk circle overhead — a powerful blend of past and present.
BIRDS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Prothonotary Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
A vivid yellow-and-gray forest dweller known for nesting in tree cavities along swampy habitats. Found seasonally in places like Beidler Forest, these “swamp canaries” sing a sweet “sweet-sweet-sweet” call.
Wood Duck
Prothonotary Warbler
Prothonotary Warbler
One of North America’s most colorful ducks, the male sports iridescent green, chestnut, and white plumage with bright red eyes. These cavity nesters are often spotted along ponds and forested wetlands.
Great Egret
Prothonotary Warbler
Great Egret
A tall white wading bird with a long neck, black legs, and yellow bill. During breeding season, elegant plumes called aigrettes adorn their backs. Often seen hunting in marshes and riverbanks.
Barred Owl
Red‑winged Blackbird
Great Egret
A large, round-headed owl with dark eyes and distinctive “Who cooks for you?” call. Barred Owls inhabit mature woods and are often heard at dawn or dusk. They’re known for nesting in tree cavities or platforms
Red‑winged Blackbird
Red‑winged Blackbird
Red‑winged Blackbird
A familiar and widespread bird of wetlands and fields, males possess striking red-and-yellow shoulder patches. They’re among the most-abundant land birds in North America
Bald Eagles
Red‑winged Blackbird
Red‑winged Blackbird
With a white head and tail and impressive wingspan, this raptor is a stunning presence near rivers and lakes. Once endangered, the Bald Eagle is now a regular sight during migration and winter in SC
Chirps, Calls & Color: The Birds of Dorchester’s Trails
Other Birds You May See Along the Way
Dorchester County’s forests, riverbanks, and wetlands are teeming with birdlife beyond the headline species. As you explore our scenic parks and trails, keep your eyes and ears open for some of the region’s more familiar—but no less fascinating—feathered friends.
The Northern Cardinal, with its vivid red feathers and cheerful song, is a constant companion in woodlands and backyards alike. Blue Jays add bold splashes of blue and plenty of personality, often heard calling from the treetops. In quieter corners, the petite Carolina Chickadee darts through branches, its distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee” call marking its presence.
Throughout the county, the Northern Mockingbird fills the air with a rich variety of songs—some borrowed from other birds—while the more secretive Brown Thrasher sticks to thickets, singing intricate melodies of its own. The open edges of woods and fields are favorite haunts for the Eastern Bluebird, easily recognized by its rusty chest and sky-blue back.
Near water, you might spot Ospreys circling above or diving for fish with dramatic precision. Overhead, Turkey Vultures soar effortlessly, riding thermals in search of their next meal. And in marshes or grassy fields, the ghostly glide of a Northern Harrier low to the ground is always a striking sight.
FUN WHILE YOU SHOP
Celebrating Summerville's Native Bird Species with Sculpture
A major public art initiative created by the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest, Sculpture in the South and Summerville D.R.E.A.M., the B.I.R.D.S. Program brings together three diverse organizations to celebrate and highlight Summerville’s native bird species, its vibrant and historic downtown area, and Summerville’s growing reputation as a cultural arts destination.
Combining the biological diversity of South Carolina with the rich historical identity of Summerville via the visual arts, the B.I.R.D.S. Program enhances the community’s understanding of the importance of conserving and restoring natural ecosystems, encourages the appreciation of, and support for, public art, and fosters Summerville’s economic vitality and cooperative spirit. Twenty life-sized bronzes overlook the town from their perches on balconies, windowsills, shop signs, and rooftops. These, along with a mural of the American Redstart, a metalwork of the Chimney Swifts, and a sand-carved glass piece depicting the Carolina Parakeet, invite visitors and residents to investigate the unique shops, an outstanding variety of restaurants, and the kind of hometown hospitality you thought had disappeared forever.
We hope you enjoy our feathered friends that have found their homes in the downtown area