Birds on Folly
Folly Beach is home to many types of birds including marsh, shore and garden birds.
Marsh Birds: The marshes surrounding Folly Beach provide crucial habitat for several bird species adapted to this unique environment.
One of the most iconic residents is the Clapper Rail, known for its secretive nature and distinctive calls echoing through the marsh grasses at dawn and dusk.
Marsh Wrens also make their homes here, weaving intricate nests among the reeds, while Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets elegantly stalk shallow waters in search of fish and crustaceans.
Shorebirds: Folly Beach's shoreline attracts a diverse array of shorebirds throughout the year.
Brown Pelicans are a common sight, gliding gracefully above the waves before plunge-diving for fish.
Sanderlings scurry along the water's edge, their quick movements resembling tiny clockwork toys.
Wilson’s Plovers can be spotted probing the sand for small invertebrates, while Ruddy Turnstones cleverly flip over pebbles and shells to uncover their next meal.
Garden Birds: Even amidst the hustle and bustle of the residential areas, Folly Beach supports a variety of garden birds. Northern Cardinals add touches of bright red to backyards, their melodious songs filling the air.
Carolina Wrens are renowned for their bold personalities and vibrant songs, often nesting in shrubbery close to homes.
Mourning Doves coo softly from rooftops, while Blue Jays announce their presence with loud calls and their vibrant blue plumage.
How to protect birds
Shorebirds are especially under threat since they nest in the dunes of our beaches. In order to keep them safe, make sure to keep your dogs leashed and walk them towards the shoreline.
Become a Shorebird Steward
Folly Beach Lighthouse Inlet is a site for Shorebird Stewards with the Audubon Society. A Shorebird Steward is a certified volunteer with Audubon that can sign up for shifts on the weekends. Their job is to record bird species they can spot within the two hours and help keep the shorebirds safe from disturbances (dogs, people, etc.). To view more locations, register or learn more click here.
Bird friendly coffee
The growth of coffee beans can be detrimental to ecosystems that are vital for birds. From deforestation to use of harmful chemical pesticides, unregulated coffee production is a bird’s worst nightmare.
Bird friendly coffee is grown in a way that not only maintains the biodiversity of the canopy but promotes it. The Smithsonian estimates 3 million birds have been lost due to habitat destruction directly resulting from coffee production.
You can help protect the birds’ natural habitat and promote sustainable farming practices by purchasing bird friendly coffee. Find out where to buy.
Native plants to attract local birds
American beautyberry: this shrub with has bright purple berries in the fall and winter, with small pink flowers blossoming in spring. It grows in moist soil and favors partial shade. Some of the birds it may attract include nuthatches, orioles, and waxwings.
Azure-Blue Sage: This perennial sprouts beautiful blue flowers that produce nectar, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Some other birds it may attract are vireos, sparrows and mockingbirds. This sage is perfect for Folly Beach, as it grows best in partial shade and dry, sandy soils.
Anise-scented goldenrod, or sweet goldenrod: this is a perennial herb, which means it blooms every spring. With a pleasant fragrant smell, it likes full sun and can grow in dry soil. This is also a great plant for attracting honeybees. With this plant, you may see woodpeckers, finches and chickadees.
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