(Member registration opens 3/2; nonmembers on 3/9.)
Join Master Birder Lynn Hodgson for two of our favorite birding locations. We will meet at the Wigeon Point Preserve, 43 Okatie Highway, Okatie, SC, and spend an hour or so. There is an eagle’s nest over the parking lot; a viewing platform by the river, and a trail which meanders past salt marsh and through maritime forest of pines and live oaks. The walk will be about a mile. Port-a-potties near the parking lot.
Then we will get back in our cars and head to the Cypress Wetlands in Port Royal, SC, for another hour or so birding from the boardwalk, which offers close-up views of waterfowl, wading birds, alligators, turtles, and occasional surprises. The walk continues on a trail around the other side of the pond, including a viewing platform with views of the “backsides” of the islands visible from the boardwalk. While there are a few roots to avoid on the trail part, this is a flat, easy walk of about a mile. The Boardwalk is open to the sun & weather, but the trail part is shaded. Dress for the weather, and expect bugs.
Directions: From Hilton Head / Bluffton, take Rte 170 toward Beaufort. Wigeon Point Preserve is on the right after the bridge over the Chechesee R, and before the bridge over the Broad R. It is just past Lemon Island. It is well marked, but comes up fast, on a fast road, so be alert.
To reach the Cypress Wetlands, we will get back in our cars and continue on Rte 170, across the Broad River bridge, then right on Rte 21. Watch for the veer left to stay on Rte 21 which becomes Ribaut Rd. In Port Royal, look for a Parkers gas station on the right, where Ribaut Rd and Paris Ave. come together. The entrance to the Cypress Wetlands is actually on Paris Ave, directly across from the Parkers (also the nearest restrooms), and next to the Police Station. Park along Paris Ave, and walk back to the Wetlands boardwalk. We recommend you plan to stay for lunch at one of several small restaurants near the Wetlands or the Fishcamp Restaurant on 11th St.
Tickets for Members and Nonmembers are $12.00.
