Birding Tours at Magnolia

As temperatures rise and spring arrives, we enjoy our last glimpses of winter migrants while welcoming new seasonal visitors. In March, wading birds become more active at Ravenswood Lake and the Audubon Swamp Garden as they court, nest, and raise their young. Wood Ducks are easier to spot as they search for nesting sites. Magnolia Marsh begins to see winter waterfowl depart, replaced by arriving shorebirds and seabirds like the state-threatened Least Tern. Across the property, listen and watch for neotropical migrants returning from Mexico and South America for the summer.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens is a premier birding destination, featuring swamps, ponds, mixed forests, and the scenic Ashley River. Birders can spot resident and migratory species such as anhinga, herons, ibis, ducks, hawks, owls, wood storks, warblers, buntings, orioles, and even bald eagles. Magnolia also boasts one of the state’s largest and most accessible heron rookeries.

For the best chance to see these species, join a guided tour with Birder Bob Heise during spring migration.