Charleston Birdwatching

The American oystercatcher enjoys the Lowcountry’s vast supply of ... you guessed it: oysters. With it’s knife-thin beak, the oystercatcher sneaks up on an unsuspecting oyster and cuts the tendon the oyster uses to close its shell. Then, the bird slurps down the terrorized oyster with no sauce at all.

The Deal

There really is a huge variety of unique and majestic birds in the marsh. Kayaking in Charleston is one of the best ways to navigate the marsh. The quiet boats can move slowly and stealthily through the winding creeks, and there’s nothing quite like happening upon a gigantic great blue heron right up close!

We have a number of birds of prey to be seen in the Lowcountry. Bald eagles, falcons and hawks patrol the skies. And black and turkey vultures can be seen swarming over the leftovers.

There is a common coastal migration pattern called the Atlantic Flyway that brings birds through the area during migration season.