Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.
Established to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds, the refuge encompasses a 20-mile segment of the Atlantic coast, including barrier islands, salt marshes, coastal waterways, fresh and brackish water impoundments and maritime forest. About 20 miles north of Charleston, on U.S. Highway 17, this is an easily accessible birding spot from the city.
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge.
This refuge is a 1/2 miles west of Hilton Head Island off of U.S. Highway 278. A wide variety of land types are found including salt marsh, forestland, brushland, fallow field and freshwater ponds. In combination, these habitats support a diversity of bird and plant life. Birdlife commonly observed on Pinckney Island include waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors and neo-tropical migrants.
Santee National Wildlife Refuge.
Wetlands and open water comprise most of the acreage within the four refuge units (Bluff, Dingle Pond, Pine Island and Cuddo). The remainder is a combination of mixed hardwoods and pine plantations, croplands, and old fields. This diverse habitat has, to date, attracted 296 bird species, and it is easy to understand why the refuge is hailed as one of the best inland birding areas within the state. Good for wintering waterfowl, major duck species are mallard, American widgeon, black duck, pintail, ring-necked duck, wood duck, gadwall, and green-winged teal. Eleven other duck species and snow geese winter in small numbers. The refuge is about 20 miles south of Sumter just off U.S. Highways 301 & 15.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.
Conveniently situated to both Savannah and Hilton Head, this refuge includes bottomland hardwoods and tidal freshwater marsh. Good for waterfowl and raptors, it is located on SC 170, six miles south of Hardeeville.