Myrtle Beach Celebrates Autumn with Peak Birdwatching Opportunities

Myrtle Beach Welcomes Back the Birds this Fall!

As the summer heat starts to fade away and the crisp autumn air rolls in, Myrtle Beach gears up for a special annual event—being a hotspot for both snowbirds and the many feathered friends flying south for the winter! Yes, your eyes are not playing tricks on you; it’s that wonderful time of the year when our coastline becomes a safe haven for migratory birds, and the Grand Strand really comes to life with some amazing bird watching opportunities.

What’s the Buzz?

According to local Myrtle Beach State Park ranger Ann Wilson, as temperatures dip, the birds from colder regions like to embark on their long journey south. “A lot of birds that have been breeding up north are going to be heading south, so it can be a good time for both shorebirds going on the beach and also neotropical migrants,” she explains. These cute little birds like warblers and vireos will be putting on a show amidst the trees, making fall one of the best seasons to grab your binoculars and venture out.

Being Bird-Friendly

As we excitedly welcome these guests, we can help out along the way! One simple tip: shut off unnecessary outdoor lights. Wilson mentions that light pollution can confuse the migrating birds, making their already exhausting journey even harder. So, helping out is as easy as clicking that switch!

If you’re just getting into bird watching, remember to give resting shorebirds some space. “They need to rest, and if a human flushes them all into the air that could literally be the difference between life and death for some of these birds,” adds Paul Laurent, a member of the Carolina Bird Club and guide at Epic Nature Tours.

Where to Start Your Birding Adventure

If you’re ready to dive into the world of birding but don’t want to splurge on binoculars yet, don’t fret! You can borrow a pair from the nature center at Huntington Beach State Park, which has recorded more bird species than anywhere else in the Carolinas. It’s the perfect place to start learning the ropes.

But that’s not all. To really kick off your birding journey, try observing some of the more common local birds like the Carolina chickadee or brown-headed nuthatch. These little heroes know where to eat and can lead you to some rarer migratory pals. “You could walk for an hour and not see a single bird, and then come to one tree with 20 species in it,” Laurent notes. It’s like a surprise party for bird lovers!

Top Bird Watching Spots

Let’s talk about where you can spot these fascinating birds. Here are some hot spots to check out:

• Myrtle Beach State Park: Wander through its 300-acre maritime forest and look out for small migrating birds and the exciting Friday sessions at 3 PM about backyard birds—perfect for beginners!
• Huntington Beach State Park: This larger state park has more varied habitats and has guided birding programs each Wednesday at 10 AM. Plus, the nature center is a fantastic place to get your birding checklist ready!
• Brookgreen Gardens: Not just for stunning gardens, this area is a bird watcher’s paradise with multiple self-guided walks and the “Breakfast with the Birds” events, which are free for members!
• Cherry Grove Inlet: Known for its abundance of fish and shellfish, this inlet is a go-to for spotting shorebirds like sandpipers and plovers as they feast during fall.
• Unexpected Discoveries: Believe it or not, places like the Horry County Landfill and Conway Wastewater Treatment Plant are also surprising hotspots for bird watching! The abundance of food attracts many feathered friends. Don’t be shocked if you see bald eagles or a flock of ducks!

What to Expect This Fall

If you’re keeping an eye out this fall, look for migrating species such as swans and shorebirds. While you might spot the dunlins and dowitchers along our coastline, don’t forget the enchanting mixed flocks in wooded areas like Brookgreen Gardens.

So, grab your binoculars, friends, and head out to enjoy the colorful spectacle that nature has to offer this autumn in Myrtle Beach. Happy bird watching!