top of page
Writer's picturebirding211

Birding the serene James Island County Park

I spent a pleasant September morning birding the James Island County Park. I began the day exploring the new fishing dock which offers wonderful long views of the beautiful salt marsh. I then walked the entirety of the green and orange trails. It was a peaceful walk and nearly every park-goer I passed smiled and said good morning. James Island County Park is eBird Hotspot #20 with 210 bird species recorded!

Salt Marsh
Salt Marsh

As I headed to the fishing dock I immediately heard several songbirds including Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice. I looked for the happy singers and caught a flash of bright yellow. I followed the colorful bird and a moment later it briefly emerged from the thick maritime habitat. It was a bright yellow Prairie Warbler searching for insects.

Prairie Warbler
Prairie Warbler

Prairie Warbler
Prairie Warbler

I continued to the fishing dock and enjoyed the amazing views across the bright green cordgrass and tidal creeks. It was a lower tide revealing muddy banks and a great opportunity to find foraging birds. There were several wading birds including Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Green Herons, and a Tri-colored Heron. I also heard a few low tup calls from nearby Seaside Sparrows hidden in the marsh grass. Clapper Rails were calling form every direction with their distinctive kek kek kek calls. I was lucky enough to see 3 Clapper Rails along the muddy banks of the tidal creek.

Fishing Dock
Fishing Dock

Great Egret, Tri-colored Heron, Snowy Egret
Great Egret, Tri-colored Heron, Snowy Egret

Green Heron
Green Heron

Clapper Rail
Clapper Rail

Clapper Rail
Clapper Rail

After the salt marsh exploration I headed along the green trail to explore the shady wooded areas. I encountered several year round residents including Carolina Wrens and Northern Cardinals. I made it to the orange trail near the dog park and noticed a small songbird fly across the road into a nearby tree canopy. I quickly and safely crossed the road to get a closer look. The beautiful bird fluttered from branch to branch like a butterfly. It was an American Redstart fanning its long tail feathers showing bright yellow patches.


American Redstart
American Redstart

American Redstart
American Redstart

American Redstart
American Redstart

American Redstart
American Redstart

I headed to the lake near the dog park and rolled up on a family of Canada Geese.

Canada Geese
Canada Geese

Walking the perimeter of the lake I watched countless Mullet jumping completely out of the water and sometimes leaping 3 times in row like skipping a flat stone. I did my best to capture the action shot but only captured blurry images of these active fish. In the distance I could see a few Eastern Kingbirds and a Belted Kingfisher. I also found a female Anhinga perched on a branch over the water keeping a cautious eye on my presence.

Anhinga
Anhinga

Passing the kayak dock I could hear the rapid trill of a Pine Warbler and more Carolina Chickadees in the nearby Pine trees. Walking through the wooded areas I noticed many Banana Spider webs with one web lower and close to the trail allowing a good look at this large colorful spider.

Banana Spider
Banana Spider

I rejoined the green trail to cover the final leg of my exploration. This section of trail is close to the marsh and I could see many Fiddler Crabs scurrying across the ground back to their muddy holes.

Fidler Crab
Fidler Crab

Along the last stretch of trail a mixed flock of songbirds appeared right beside me! A Common Yellowthroat posed on a low branch showing its yellow throat.

Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroat

Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroat

A Downy Woodpecker searched for food along a very close Palm Tree and then an Oak branch.

Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker

Carolina Chickadees quickly moved through the vegetation and continued out of sight.

Carolina Chickadee
Carolina Chickadee

It was a pleasant and peaceful morning walking the beautiful trails of this Charleston County Park. The kind park-goers made the day extra enjoyable. If you haven’t explored this wonderful park I would recommend a visit to walk along the numerous paved trails and fishing dock. The day yielded 35 species of birds while covering 3.14 miles. eBird checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S149192389


Happy Birding,


Charles




117 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


DSC_0748.jpg

Holy City Birding Shop

Bird Patches, Bird Stickers, Patch Hats, Patch Backpacks & more!

bottom of page