Participation wavier for all Activities, Activities refers to “Events”, “Programs”, “Field Trips”, “Birdathon”, “Lectures & Presentations”, “Christmas Bird Count [CBC]”, “Fundraisers”, but not exclusive to, conducted, hosted, or sponsored by, the Charleston Natural History Society (CNHS) and may be found here: Participation Wavier. By participating in any CNHS activity it is assumed that you have read and agreed to the wavier.
Participants shall also agree that the Charleston Natural History Society, Audubon, may use photographs, recordings, or videos taken during such activities with or without your name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content.
2026
Orangeburg Sod Farms
September 5th, 2026
On Saturday, September 5 we’ll visit the Orangeburg Sod Farms for some inland shore birding. Migrating species such as Upland, Pectoral, Solitary, and Buff-breasted Sandpipers and American Golden Plovers regularly stop over in small numbers at this site in late summer and early fall – especially after a heavy rain, when the grassy fields are wet and mud puddles are plentiful. Rarities such as Baird’s Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Wilson’s Phalarope have also been observed here. In addition to shorebirds, we are likely to see Horned Larks, Common Ground Doves, and several species of swallows (possibly Bank or Cliff Swallows) and various raptors. Last year several American Golden Plovers and Buff-breasted Sandpipers were reported by numerous eBirders here in early September, and two years ago our CNHS group found a Baird’s Sandpiper in one of the sod fields.
The birding will be mainly from the roadside, so a minimum amount of walking is required. There are no restrooms or picnic facilities on the site, so we’ll eat lunch as we bird (gas stations with convenience stores are not far away, however). Bring food and water, your birding gear (a scope, if you have one, is highly recommended), and dress for the weather – bug spray and sunscreen might also prove useful.
This trip is limited to 20 participants. If you feel unwell, or are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, loss of smell or taste, or fever, PLEASE STAY HOME!
Finally, carpooling during the trip is strongly encouraged.
We’ll meet at 7:00 AM in the small parking lot next to the SouthState Bank in front of the Summerville Walmart, just off Hwy 17-A and not far from its intersection with I-26 (1315 N. Main St, Summerville SC 29483). If you plan to attend, please register
with Andy Harrison prior to September 5 at parula23@aol.com or 843 327-3546.
Santee National Wildlife Refuge
September 26, 2026
On Saturday, September 26, David McLean will lead us on a birding trip to the Santee National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is well known as an excellent spot to look for migrant warblers, tanagers, thrushes, and flycatchers in the fall, especially within the viny tangles that can be found lining many roads and trails. After birding around the Bluff Unit Visitor Center (closed on weekends, so no restrooms are available) and along the entrance road, we’ll walk over to the Santee Indian Mound/Fort Watson and then hike portions of the Wright’s Bluff Nature Trail. If we’re lucky, we may see a Magnolia Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, or perhaps a Swainson’s or Wood Thrush. The paths leading out into the large field past the observation platform will still be open, and we may see Bobolinks foraging in the tall grasses there, wading birds and/or waterfowl in the small ponds or migrant raptors overhead.
We’ll take a break for lunch at the Visitor Center before heading to another possible birding destination – perhaps the Dingle Unit, since both Pine Island and Cuddo Units will be closed for archery hunts. Bring food and water, your birding gear (including a scope if you have one) and dress for the weather – mosquitoes may still be out, so bug spray is also recommended.
This trip is limited to 20 participants. If you feel unwell, or are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, loss of smell or taste, or fever, PLEASE STAY HOME!
Finally, carpooling during the trip is strongly encouraged.
We’ll meet at 7:00 AM in the small parking lot next to the South State Bank in front of the Summerville Walmart, just off Hwy 17-A and not far from its intersection with I-26 (1315 N. Main St, Summerville SC 29483). If you plan to attend, please register
with David prior to September 26 at dcmclean@gmail.com .
Old Towne Creek County Park
October 11, 2026
On Sunday, October 11 Andy Harrison will lead our group on its first ever bird walk at the brand-new Old Towne Creek County Park in West Ashley. This 67-acre park adjacent to the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site features trails, boardwalks, scenic marsh views, an arboretum, and a playground with nature-inspired play elements.
The property was donated by mother and daughter Emily Simmons Ravenel and Emily Ravenel Farrow, both passionate gardeners, to serve as a place of learning, reflection, and public enjoyment. A variety of ornamentals planted over the years by the two women can be found in the park. Fall migration will still be in full swing at this time, so we could see an assortment of warblers, vireos and tanagers, in addition to various wading birds and raptors.
This walk is limited to 20 participants. If you feel unwell, or are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, loss of smell or taste, or fever, PLEASE STAY HOME!
Finally, this will be a half-day trip, but plan to bring water and snacks in addition to your birding gear. Sunscreen and insect repellant are also recommended, and dress for the weather. Note: admission to the park is $2 per person, with free entry for Gold Pass members and children ages 2 and under.
We’ll meet at 8:00 AM at the park Welcome Center (1400 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, SC 29407). Please register with Andy Harrison prior to October 11 at parula23@aol.com or by phone at 843 327-3546.
Fort Moultrie
November 7, 2026
On Saturday, November 7, Jennifer Tyrrell and Sabrina Cobb will co-lead our group on a bird walk at Fort Moultrie, part of the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park.
Raptor migration will still be under way at this time, and we could see some late migrant warblers as well as some newly arrived winter species, including seabirds (scoters, loons and grebes) and shorebirds (Purple Sandpipers are sometimes seen around exposed rocks or on the #2 red buoy). We’ll scan the beach and harbor, check the fields for sparrows and walk the Station 16 Nature Trail through the maritime forest looking and listening for songbirds. Beyond the park visitor center we’ll also go out on the dock and watch for wading birds, waterfowl and raptors across the Intracoastal Waterway.
This walk is limited to 20 participants. If you feel unwell, or are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, loss of smell or taste, or fever, PLEASE STAY HOME!
Finally, this will be a half-day trip, but plan to bring water and snacks in addition to your birding gear (including a scope if you have one). Sunscreen and insect repellant are also recommended.
We’ll meet at 7:30 AM at Fort Moultrie in front of Battery Jasper on Poe Avenue (where the huge cannons are located). Please register with Jennifer Tyrrell prior to November 7 at jennifer.tyrrell@audubon.org .
Charleston Natural History Society 