Beidler Forest
Robin Carter
Directions
From the intersection of I-26 and I-95, drive southeast on I-26 for 8 miles to Exit 177 and turn right (south) toward Harleyville on SC 453, Judge Street. In 1 mile you will reach US 178. Here turn left (southeast) and drive through Harleyville. At about 7 miles from SC 453 turn left onto Road 28, Beidler Forest Road. Go about 4 miles and continue straight on Mims Road. The entrance is 1 mile on the right.
From Charleston, drive west on I-26 to Exit 187, turn left (south) onto SC 27 for 1 miles, then right (northwest) onto US 78 for 3 miles. At the fork bear right onto US 178 for 0.8 miles, then turn right onto Road 28, Beidler Forest Road. Go about 4 miles and continue straight on Mims Road. The entrance is 1 mile on the right.
Birds to look for
Wood Duck, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (s), Mississippi Kite (s), Red-shouldered Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo (s), Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher (s), Great Crested Flycatcher (s). White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper (w), Winter Wren (w), Orange-crowned Warbler (w), Northern Parula (s), Yellow-rumped Warbler (w), Pine Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler (w), Prothonotary Warbler (s), Swainson's Warbler (s), Hooded Warbler (s), Summer Tanager (s), Fox Sparrow (w), Rusty Blackbird (w)
Description
The National Audubon Society's Beidler Forest Sanctuary protects one of the largest tract of old-growth bald cypress-water tupelo swamps in the world. This forest has large numbers of birds at all seasons, species typical of southeastern floodplain forests. A mile long boardwalk through the swamp makes access very easy. There is a nominal admission fee.
The animals along the boardwalk are used to visitors and are easily viewed, including a Barred Owl that is often seen, even at midday. Unfortunately Swainson's Warbler, though common, is as tricky to see here as it is anywhere else.