Charleston sees both landscape and wildlife changes in the fall. The fall season brings cooler temperatures, which can influence the patterns and activities of different animal species, like birds and fish. Here are some common species you could spot in the Lowcountry during the fall.
Fall is a time for bird migration, and Charleston is a stopping point for many bird species. These include Land Birds like the Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, and Carolina Wren. There are also many Marsh Birds in the Lowcountry, including species like the Black Rail, Least Bittern, and Sora. Birds like the Black Rail and the Least Bittern nest within the state of South Carolina. Coastal birds are split between seabirds and shorebirds. Seabirds are Pelicans, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers. Shorebirds like Sandpipers and Plovers seem to like sod or mudflats, so during fall migration, there may be big flocks of them.
The most common saltwater fish seen or caught during the fall season are Black Bass, Red Drum, Trout, Sheepshead, and Flounder. The Department of Natural Resources predicts that December will bring Redfish to tighter schools. Trout will also continue to be common until the temperatures really start to cool. Red Drum and Sheepshead will be caught around the jetties.
For a full list of wildlife to spot in South Carolina or the Lowcountry, please visit the state’s Department of Natural Resources website. For more information on Sandlapper Water Tours or to book your tour now, please visit https://www.sandlappertours.com/ and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
