South Carolina

Birding the Lowcountry

Program No. 20959RJ
With its salt marshes, abundant forests, coastal estuaries and diverse wildlife refuges, South Carolina’s Lowcountry is a haven for both birds and birders alike.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Bring your binoculars for an adventure that’s perfect for novice birders. South Carolina’s Lowcountry, woven with salt marshes, blackwater swamps and hardwood forests, is a veritable haven for more than 250 bird species, including endangered species, threatened species and species of concern. Learn birding techniques, then hone them as you observe birds during migration along the Atlantic Flyway. Spot shorebirds, raptors, songbirds and other seasonal travelers on field trips to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, Bear Island and Pinckney Island. Possible species include White Pelicans, Prothonotary Warblers, Purple Gallinules, Wood Storks and others.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Walking up to 2-3 miles over uneven terrain; climbing in and out of a 15 passenger bus; standing for up to two hours at a time while viewing through spotting scopes and binoculars.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Search for the protected red-cockaded woodpecker during an excursion to the Webb Wildlife Center.
  • Enjoy special field trips to sites in the ACE Basin and Port Royal Sound.
  • Savor the cuisine of the Lowcountry as you enjoy an oyster roast, Lowcountry Boil, Hoppin’ John and more.

General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for light exercise, interaction with the local community, an authentic farm-to-table or locally sourced meal and evening entertainment on at least one night. All Road Scholar birding programs have a maximum participant-to-instructor ratio of 7:1 in the field. We adhere to the American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics. Learn more at http://www.aba.org/about/ethics.html Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Elizabeth Anderegg
A graduate of the College of Charleston, Elizabeth Anderegg is a lifelong canoeist who discovered kayaking when her two daughters grew older and preferred their boating independence. Since 2006, she has served as a kayak and birding expert for Nature Adventures Outfitters. Now an ACA Kayak Instructor and a South Carolina Coastal Master Naturalist, Elizabeth brings to Road Scholar her love of nature and the outdoors, and her love of sharing these with others.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Elizabeth Anderegg
Elizabeth Anderegg View biography
A graduate of the College of Charleston, Elizabeth Anderegg is a lifelong canoeist who discovered kayaking when her two daughters grew older and preferred their boating independence. Since 2006, she has served as a kayak and birding expert for Nature Adventures Outfitters. Now an ACA Kayak Instructor and a South Carolina Coastal Master Naturalist, Elizabeth brings to Road Scholar her love of nature and the outdoors, and her love of sharing these with others.
Profile Image of Bob Speare
Bob Speare View biography
Bob Speare has been a professional naturalist for over 25 years. He enjoys teaching about all aspects of natural history and has conducted birding tours across the US and internationally. Bob moved from Massachusetts to the Lowcountry in 2015. He is certified as a Lowcountry Master Naturalist and a South Carolina Master Gardener, and regularly works with the Audubon Society. Bob has also conducted photography programs and trips for over 20 years and has experience in teaching adult, children and family programs.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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