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
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
August 16th, 2026
On Sunday, August 16 Andy Harrison will lead us on a bird walk at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, one of the Audubon South Carolina Shorebird Stewardship Program’s coastal monitoring sites. SC DNR has posted signs and roped off areas here where some shorebird species (including Wilson’s Plovers, American Oystercatchers and Willets) are known to nest, and Shorebird Stewards volunteer to patrol the beach in order to protect these and other birds from disturbance and to inform beachgoers about why it’s so important to give them space. By this time the nesting season will be mostly finished, but fall shorebird migration will be underway and both sea and shorebirds are still using the inlet beach for feeding and resting activities. Andy will focus on scoping out and identifying birds, but he’ll also explain how to interact with visitors and be an effective Shorebird Steward.
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! Although the walk will likely last just two to three hours, you’ll want to bring water and snacks in addition to your birding gear, including a scope if you have one. Bug spray and sunscreen might also prove useful. The walk from the park gate to the inlet beach is about ¼ mile, including going up and over a dune.
We’ll meet at 6:30 AM in the Merchants Village shopping center parking lot (on the side nearest the TD Bank) at the intersection of Folly and Harborview Roads on James Island, SC (520 Folly Road, Charleston SC 29412) and carpool from there. There is limited free parking along East Atlantic Avenue outside Lighthouse Inlet HP, as well as pay-to-park spaces ($2 per hour via credit card kiosk) along nearby Summer Place. Please register with Andy prior to August 16 at parula23@aol.com or by phone at 843 327-3546.
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 .
Charleston Natural History Society 