Shorebird Celebration Week
March 9-14, 2026
Join us throughout the South Carolina coast to learn, celebrate, and ultimately protect our shorebirds! Various kinds of events, programs, celebrations, and outreach initiatives are taking place over the span of the week and across a mutltitude of venues. Whether you are a passionate birder or new to the world of coastal wildlife, all are welcome to join in on the events below to dive into the world of shorebirds and the critical role that South Carolina plays throughout their lifecycle.
Yawkey Wildlife Center Birding and Photography Outing
March 9 & 10, 2026, 10:00am-2:00pm
At theTom Yawkey Wildlife Center
Join Molly McNeill, Education and Outreach Coordinator at SCDNR’s Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, on a four-hour birding and photography field trip. The Yawkey Wildlife Center provides important habitat for many species of birds and waterfowl, as well as other wildlife! This trip will visit various habitats, including brackish marshes and managed wetlands. Make sure to bring your camera and binoculars! Field trips are limited to 14 participants. Participants should be prepared to cross the Intracoastal Waterway via pontoon boat, as well as multiple short walks on relatively even ground. Bring a bag lunch and drink. Call 843-546-6814 or email whamp@dnr.sc.gov to reserve your spot!
Event hosted by SCDNR Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center
Bird Trivia-Shorebird Edition
March 10, 2026, 6:00-8:00pm
Holy City Brewing, 1021 Aragon Ave, Charleston, SC 29405
Come join Audubon South Carolina for a fun evening of shorebird-themed and coastal trivia! Have fun with friends while learning some amazing new facts about the shorebirds that call South Carolina's beaches home. This event will be held in an outdoor seating area, and the rain date is April 1.
Event hosted by Audubon South Carolina.
Sunset Stroll
Event hosted by Nicole Marie Pettinelli, Charleston Bird Club.
March 11, 2026, 5:00-7:00pm
Beachwalker County Park, Kiawah Island
Please join Nicole Marie Pettinelli with the Charleston Bird Club for a sunset shorebird identification walk on Kiawah Island. The walk will begin at 5:00 p.m and continue through sunset. Participants will meet at Beachwalker County Park on Kiawah. This will be a slow, informal beach stroll focused on observing and identifying common coastal birds as evening light settles in. Species likely to be seen include Willet, American Oystercatcher, Laughing gull, Herring gull, Forster’s tern, sanderling and hopefully some more fun surprises! The event is free, however, Beachwalker County Park does charge a parking fee if you do not have the Charleston County Park Gold Pass. Registration can be done by clicking the registration button below or emailing info@charlestonbirdclub.com directly.
Sunset Scope Out of Deveaux Bank
March 11, 2026, 6:30-7:30pm
Join SCDNR's Cami Duquet and staff from the Barrier Island EnvironmentalEducation Program to witness the twilight roosting of shorebirds as they flockto Deveaux Bank, one of the most important seabird sanctuaries on theAtlantic Coast. Learn about Deveaux's importance, changing geography, andthe thousands of birds that reside on its shores. We will be scoping from thebeach of the St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center on SeabrookIsland. Registration is required with a cap of 25 total participants. Please bringclothes and shoes you are comfortable in for walking on sandy, uneven terrain.Scopes and binoculars will be provided. We hope to see you there!
.jpg)
Event hosted by Barrier Island Island Environmental Education Program
St Christopher Camp and Conference Center, Seabrook Island
March 12, 2026, 10:00-12:00pm
Event hosted by the SCDNR Upper Coastal Waterfowl Project
220 Santee Gun Club Rd, McClellanville, SC 29458
Impoundment Trailer Ride at Santee Coastal Reserve
Join SCDNR staff on a tour of the Santee Coastal Reserve WMA! This trailer ride will take you through the vast impoundment system of the reserve, where you will get the chance to observe a number of waterbirds making use of the ponds. While the reserve is primarily managed for waterfowl, you will learn how impoundments can also be managed for shorebirds during critical times of the year. Come ready to brace the elements, including bugs!
How to Share the Shore with Shorebirds: Audubon South Carolina Steward Training
March 12, 2026, 5:30-7:00pm
Interested in learning about shorebirds and the simple ways you can help protect them while you're at the beach? Attend this lecture by Audubon South Carolina which also serves as the stewardship training program for the Folly Beach area.
Event hosted by Audubon South Carolina
Baxter-Patrick James Island Library
1858 S Grimball Road, Charleston SC 2941
March 13, 2026 12:00-2:00pm
Event hosted by Tidelines Tour
Departure out of Sunset Cay Marina, Folly Beach
Folly Beach Birding and Photography Tour
Join us for a 2 hour boat cruise to explore the marshes behind Folly Beach with a professional naturalist. Weather permitting, we will visit Bird Key-Stono Seabird Sanctuary, in addition to many other shorebird hot spots. This trip will depart from Sunset Cay Marina on Folly Beach. Parking and restrooms are available onsite. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to departure. Registration is required at the link provided; space is limited to 18 people.
​
Event has a fee. Refer to the registration link for more details.
March 13, 2026 5:00-7:00pm
Event hosted by the North Inlet-Winyah Bay NERR
2306 Crab Hall Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440
Stewardship Stroll- Shorebirds and Sunset
Join us for an evening walk along Clambank Causeway where we will learn to identify various shorebird species, observe their behaviors, and discuss their roles within the ecosystem and conservation efforts aimed at protecting shorebird populations and their habitats. Binoculars are recommended for better viewing, and comfortable walking shoes are advised as the terrain includes dirt roads and natural surfaces. This event is suitable for individuals over 18, and it offers an educational experience that combines nature observation with conservation awareness, fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems.
Pitt Street Bridge Bird Walk
Join Holy City Birding for a guided walk at Pitt Street Bridge in Mount Pleasant as part of South Carolina’s Shorebird Celebration Week! This easy, scenic walk offers stunning views of Charleston Harbor and the Ravenel Bridge while exploring one of the area’s top birding hotspots. Pitt Street Bridge Park provides an up-close look at the rich birdlife of our coastal salt marsh ecosystem — currently ranked among the top eBird locations in the region with over 240 species recorded. Participants can expect to see a variety of marsh and coastal birds, including Osprey, herons, egrets, Clapper Rails, sandpipers, plovers, oystercatchers, terns, gulls, and possibly Seaside Sparrows and Marsh Wrens. Depending on tide and season, shorebird activity can be especially exciting. This walk is perfect for beginners and experienced birders alike. Come celebrate South Carolina’s incredible bird diversity and learn more about the unique salt marsh habitat that supports it.
March 14, 2026 9:00-10:30am
Pitt Street Bridge, Mount Pleasant SC
Event hosted by Charles Donnelly, Holy City Birding
.png)
Shorebird Safari on Kiawah Island
March 14, 2026, 12:00-2:00pm
Beachwalker County Park, Kiawah Island
Children and adults of all ages are invited to join the Kiawah Island Shorebird Stewards on a Shorebird safari at Beachwalker County Park. We will learn about our local shorebirds through engaging hands-on activities. Stop by anytime during the event and allow 20- 30 minutes to complete all activities. Children under the age of ten will need parent assistance. This event is free and does not require a reservation; however, Beachwalker County Park does charge a parking fee.
Event hosted by the Town of Kiawah Island Shorebird Steward.
Birds & Brews - Folly Beach Pier Bird Walk
March 14, 2026 6:00-8:00pm
Event hosted by Charleston Bird Club and Surfrider Charleston
Folly Beach Pier and Chico Feo
Come for the birds and stay for the brews!
This event will kick off at 6pm at the Folly Beach Pier, a regular trash clean-up site where birders of all levels are invited to come learn about how litter impacts birds and steps we can all take to keep our beaches clean for the birds and other wildlife! Later around 7pm, we will head to Chico Feo for a social and casual Q&A with Nicole Marie Pettinelli with Charleston Bird Club! Ask your bird questions and meet others from the conservation community. We hope to see you there!