Sunset Birding on Sullivan's Island

As the humid Summer heat continues here in the Low Country I have been birding less often. Twice this July I ventured out during the evening to enjoy slightly more comfortable temperatures and a different perspective as most of my birding trips occur during the morning hours.

On both evening explorations I visited my favorite Charleston birding location, Fort Moultrie National Historic Park located on beautiful Sullivan's Island.

Fort Moultrie and the Sullivan's Island Nature Trail offer a variety of scenic habitats attracting a wonderful array of bird species. It was a Wednesday evening just after 6pm. The parking area was very active as the end of Sullivan's Island is a picturesque location to watch the sunset over downtown Charleston. I could sense folks looking in my direction perhaps thinking I was a park ranger as I was in my usual birding attire with binoculars and a camera. I humorously stood out from the sunset & beach goers as most were in swimwear and more appropriate beach clothes.

I started my exploration of the grounds at Fort Moultrie along the open fields enjoying colorful Eastern Bluebirds, vocal Red-winged Blackbirds, speedy Barn Swallows and families of House Finches.

Juvenile Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebird

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

With lots of people enjoying the beach near the jetty I headed east along the shoreline. The views were captivating on both occasions with stunning clouds, distant thunderstorms and amazing light from the setting sun.

Laughing Gull

On the second outing I encountered an unusual seen with a Police SUV parked on the beach. As I approached I sadly discovered the Police Officer was guarding a deceased Loggerhead Sea Turtle for researchers to review and remove. A sad seen but just a bit further down the beach I was comforted by two marked Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nests on Sullivan's Island

Continuing further along the coastline I scanned the open water for any birds. The second trip yielded a variety of feeding terns along this section of the beach. I watched Royal Terns with their bright orange bills, mostly solitary patrolling the coastline for fishy prey. I also encountered several Sandwich Terns, a little smaller than the Royals with dark bills not showing the yellow tips in the dimmer light conditions. As I scanned the waters a bit further out I could see Least Terns diving for fish in an area of calm water. Among all of this exciting tern activity I was fortunate enough to observe a single Black Tern, these terns are less common but visit our area during migration especially at the end of the summer.

Royal Tern

Black Tern

As the sun light continued to gracefully retreat a flock of Sanderlings appeared searching for dinner along the breaking water.

Before heading toward the dunes and maritime habitat a Black Skimmer flew past strategically skimming the shallow water for small fish.

Black Skimmer

I paused to take in the views as I walked up the Station 16 pathway and then again along the Sullivan's Island Nature Trail boardwalk.

I visited each of the quiet & secluded boardwalk bench spots to enjoy the serene views and watch for any passing birds.

While taking in the tranquility of the this blissful location birds began to appear! Swallows & swifts filled the evening sky acrobatically maneuvering in pursuit of the many flying insects.

Chimney Swift

Chimney Swift

Chimney Swift

A Cooper's Hawk flew past quickly disappearing into the dense wooded habitat.

Cooper's Hawk

Groups of Yellow-crowned Night Herons moved across the purple skies.

Yellow-crowned Night Herons

I concluded the evening taking in one of my favorite Charleston settings, the view across the open fields at Fort Moultrie with Palmetto Tree silhouettes and downtown Charleston in the background.

If you are resident of Charleston or just visiting I would encourage you to visit Sullivan's Island for a breathtaking sunset walk and while you are there be sure to look & listen for the many birds that thrive throughout this special Charleston location.

Happy Birding!

-Charles