In the air or on the shore, Pawleys is a great place to spot our feathered friends

Pawleys Island, located along a rich stretch of Atlantic coastline, is the ideal habitat to see a variety of shorebirds, from giant pelicans to tiny sandpipers, and many others in between.

These birds are specially adapted to life at the water’s edge, feeding on fish or small invertebrates in the sand. Many species seen on the beach are long-distance migrants, stopping along the South Carolina coast to rest and refuel, while a few nest locally.

“Pawleys Island’s beaches offer a constantly changing lineup of shorebirds depending on the season,” said Mark A. Stevens, director of tourism development for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce. “Whether you’re watching sanderlings dart through the surf or spotting an allusive willet, each visit can reveal something new along the shoreline.”

Below is a list of some of the most plentiful and interesting types of shorebirds you can spot at the beach on Pawleys Island, along with times of year when you’re most likely to see them. How many types of birds can you spot on the beach?

Pelicans

The Brown Pelican is a large, unmistakable coastal bird with a long bill and expandable throat pouch used for catching fish. You’ll often see them gliding just above the waves in single file, flying in a V pattern, or dramatically diving headfirst into the water. Despite their size, they are graceful fliers.
Best time to see: Year-round. They are especially active along the shoreline in the early morning and late afternoon when feeding is most productive.

White Pelicans are large, bright white birds with black wingtips and an impressive wingspan of over eight feet, making it noticeably bigger than the more familiar Brown Pelican. Unlike Brown Pelicans, which are common year-round along the coast, White Pelicans are only occasional visitors to areas like Pawleys Island. They are most often seen resting or gliding over calmer waters such as bays, estuaries, and marshes rather than flying low over the open surf. Unlike Brown Pelicans, they do not dive for fish; instead, they feed by swimming and scooping prey from the water’s surface, sometimes working together in groups.

Best time to see: Late fall through early spring (roughly November to March), when they migrate south for the winter. While they are not especially common, they do appear regularly enough during these months that patient observers may spot them, particularly in quieter coastal areas. Spotting one on or near the beach in winter is a special and memorable experience, as their size and bright coloring make them stand out clearly against the coastal landscape.

Sandpipers

The diverse group called Sandpipers includes birds like Sanderlings, Dunlins, and Semipalmated Sandpipers. Most are small, fast-moving birds that forage along the water’s edge, picking tiny invertebrates from the sand. They often gather in flocks and move in synchronized patterns, especially when disturbed.
Best time to see: Year-round, depending on the species.

Winter: Large flocks of Dunlins and Sanderlings.

Spring/Fall: Peak migration brings the greatest variety.

Summer: Fewer species, but some residents remain.

American Oystercatchers

Along the shores of Pawleys Island, American Oystercatchers are among the most distinctive and eye-catching shorebirds you can encounter. They are easy to recognize by their bold black-and-white plumage, bright orange-red bill, and long pink legs. Often seen in pairs or small groups, these birds patrol the beach and tidal flats, using their strong, chisel-like bills to pry open oysters, clams, and mussels or to probe the sand for other shellfish. Their loud, piping calls and striking appearance make them stand out among the more subtly colored shorebirds.

Best time to see: Oystercatchers can be seen in the Pawleys Island area throughout the year, but they are especially noticeable from spring through early fall, when they are breeding along the South Carolina coast. During this time, they may nest directly on the sand or shell-covered areas above the high tide line, making them sensitive to disturbance. In cooler months, additional birds may pass through or overwinter, often gathering in small flocks along quieter stretches of beach, inlets, and marshes. Their specialized feeding habits and strong ties to shellfish-rich habitats make them an important part of the coastal ecosystem, as well as a memorable sight for anyone walking the beach.

Gulls

Along the beaches of Pawleys Island, “seagulls” are a constant and familiar presence, although the correct term is simply gulls. The most common species you’ll see include Laughing Gulls, Ring-Billed Gulls, and Herring Gulls, each with slightly different markings but similar behaviors. They are highly adaptable coastal birds, often seen walking along the shoreline, floating in the surf, or circling overhead with their distinctive calls. Their diet is varied and opportunistic—they feed on fish, crabs, and other small marine life, but they are also quick to take advantage of scraps left behind by beachgoers.

Best time to see: Year-round. Gulls on Pawleys Island are active throughout the year, though their numbers can increase in the cooler months as migratory species arrive from farther north. You’ll often notice them gathering where waves break or where tides expose food, and they may follow fishing boats or linger near piers in hopes of an easy meal. While they can seem bold or even aggressive at times—especially if food is involved—they play an important role in the coastal ecosystem by helping clean up organic waste and recycling nutrients. Their constant movement, vocalizations, and interaction with the surf are part of what gives the Pawleys Island beach its lively, coastal character.

Willets

Along the beach on Pawleys Island, Willets are a common and easy-to-spot shorebird known for their understated gray-brown coloring and loud, piercing calls. They are often seen walking briskly along the shoreline or standing in the shallow surf, probing the sand for crabs, small fish, and other invertebrates. When they take flight, they reveal a striking black-and-white wing pattern that contrasts sharply with their otherwise plain appearance.

Willets are present in this area for much of the year, but the best time to see them on the beach is from spring through early fall (roughly March to September), when breeding populations are active along the South Carolina coast. During this time, they are more territorial and vocal, making them easier to notice. In the winter months, some willets migrate farther south, though a smaller number may still remain along the coast. Their steady movements along the water’s edge and their sharp calls are a characteristic part of the natural rhythm of Pawleys Island’s beach.

Birdwatching Tips

The best time to go birdwatching on the beach is during spring and fall migration in early morning or late afternoon when birds are most active feeding along the tide line. It is also best to go at low tide when mudflats and feeding areas are exposed, attracting more shorebirds.

While Pelicans are easy to spot from a distance, birds like Snipes and Dowitchers require a slower, quieter approach. Bring binoculars and scan tidal pools, marsh edges, and mudflats—especially during low tide—for the best chance of seeing these more subtle species.

Together, these birds add variety to Pawleys Island’s coastal wildlife, from the dramatic plunge-diving of pelicans to tiny sanderlings scurrying along the shoreline to find their next meal.

By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce