What could be more peaceful than kicking back and doing a little birdwatching? Coming to Hilton Head, you will find about 200 species of birds, many breeds that you might not find near your home. So when you go out (or sit on your deck) to watch the birds, see if you can find any of these.
Pinckney Island is a great place to spot many forms of wildlife in their own habitats; and as such, it’s a great place to go birdwatching. When you visit Pinckney Island, be on the lookout for the painted bunting (a many-colored but at-risk songbird) and the graceful white ibis with its long, curved beak. Other birds you might spot here are the egret, hawk, heron, hummingbird, warbler, sandpiper, or woodpecker.
At Honey Horn, you can also spot birds at home nesting. Look for a bluebird, hawk, ibis, kingfisher, osprey, or stork.
On a guided walk at the Audubon Newhall Reserve, you are likely to see a brown-headed nuthatches, hawks, red-bellied woodpeckers, and warblers. Keep your ears open for their distinctive chirps.
When you head out to go birdwatching, be sure to wear bug spray, as birds aren’t the only creatures flying around the island. Depending on how long you’ll be out, you may also want to pack snacks and water. But don’t think of sharing your snack with your newfound feathered friends—they’re good at finding their food on their own. Take plenty of pictures to help you identify which birds you find.
Birdwatching is one activity that the whole family can share. It doesn’t cost anything—unless you want to spring for a set of binoculars—and you can learn a lot from it. Watch your stress levels dip and your endorphins soar as you discover something new.