Director’s Special: Savannah NWR
January 11, 2025 @ 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
https://www.scnaturalists.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SCAN-2024-December-Newsletter-PUBLIC.pdf
Director’s Special
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Jasper County, SC
Corner of SC-170 and Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr, Hardeeville, SC
GPS COORDINATES: 32.165985, -81.11550
Saturday, January 11th, 2025 at 10:30am to 4:30pm
The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1927 as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds. The variety of birdlife within the refuge is enhanced by its location on the Atlantic Flyway. During the winter months, thousands of mallards, pintails, teal and as many as ten other species of ducks migrate into the area, joining resident wood ducks on the refuge. There is a real advantage for observation and photography at Savannah NWR because you can see most of the migratory species along the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive, which is open from dawn until dusk every day. No other location in South Carolina provides better public opportunity for observing the winter waterfowl migration.
The Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive is the preferred access into the preserve because it provides great viewing plus access to numerous trails that traverse managed impoundments and hardwood hammocks. The Wildlife Drive is four miles long and has seven miles of foot trails (all flat). Last year, in one day along this route, I counted 80 bird species including 14 species of ducks. Among the 14 species of ducks were over 1,000 Black-bellied Whistling Ducks and a rare Eurasian Widgeon (see complete list @ eBird Checklist – 30 Jan 2024 – Savannah NWR–Laurel Hill Wildlife Dr – 80 species (+1 other taxa). Along with the excellent birding, there are good opportunities to see wildlife such as herps, otters, deer and bobcats. There are also upland areas to explore nearby such as the Kingfisher Pond Recreation Area for those looking for more diversity of habitats.
For more information on the refuge go to Savannah National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
For a map showing the wildlife drive and trails go to savannahtrailbrochure2024.pdf
DIRECTIONS:
Head West on I-95 towards Savannah and take Exit 5 and go south on HWY 17. By this time, you will have seen signs for the refuge at the I-95 exit and on HWY 17. Go about 11 miles and turn right on SC-170 (this is before you get to the visitor’s center). Once on SC-170 heading west, travel less than 3 miles and turn into the entrance to the Laural Hill Wildlife Drive and park at the entrance, where we will meet.
For questions and day-of directions, please contact:
TRIP LEADER: Ron Ahle