Birdwatching is a popular activity on St. Simons Island.
This barrier island boasts diverse habitats and serves as a stopover for many species of migratory birds, making it an ideal destination for bird enthusiasts. With over 300 recorded species of birds, St. Simons Island offers endless opportunities for birdwatching. The Island’s varied landscape includes marshes, tidal creeks, beaches and forests, providing different environments for a wide range of avian species to thrive.
One of the best places to start your birdwatching adventure on St. Simons Island is at the famous East Beach area.
This popular spot is known for its wide, sandy beach and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you can observe a variety of shorebirds such as sandpipers, plovers, and gulls.
The best time to see seabirds and shorebirds is during the mid-to-high tide. This is because rising water brings them closer to the shore. In summer, East Beach is a nesting spot for least terns and Wilson’s plovers, with roped-off areas to protect their habitat. American oystercatchers also nest here when sandbar conditions are favorable.
Spring and fall migrations attract large numbers of shorebirds like red knots and whimbrels. An evening visit in May might reward you with the sight of whimbrels flying offshore to their nighttime roosts. Keep an eye out for black skimmers and various terns—royal, Caspian, gull-billed, and least—along with common gull species on the beach.
Gould’s Beach is a great place to spot reddish egrets during mid-to-late summer and fall. In winter, look for common and red-throated loons, scoters, scaup, and other waterbirds in the ocean, as well as wintering piping plovers on the beach. Northern gannets can be seen offshore in winter. Spring and fall migrations bring warblers to the dune thickets and woods.
For a more tranquil birdwatching experience, head to the marshes and tidal creeks on the west side around Fort Frederica.
Today, there are just the remains of the Fort that British Gen. James Oglethorpe and his men used to defend the colony of Georgia from foreign attacks. The Fort backs up to a great expanse of marsh laced with the tributaries of the Frederica River. This area is home to numerous wading birds including herons, egrets, and ibises. You may even catch a glimpse of an elusive roseate spoonbill or wood stork.
The John Gilbert Nature Trail is another must-visit location for birdwatchers.
This trail is part of a 40-acre marsh-front property on Frederica Road. Raised walkways cross wetlands to a viewing deck marsh. John Gilbert Trail is made up of a maritime forest, salt marsh, and freshwater ponds. Along the way, there are narrative signs explaining the variety of bird species on the property.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, St. Simons Island is a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. With its diverse habitats and abundant bird species, it’s no wonder this island is a top destination for nature lovers. Plan your trip to St. Simons Island today and immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of birdwatching!
