Edisto Island Christmas Bird Count

The Edisto Island Christmas Bird Count is a one-day winter bird census organized by the Edisto Island Open Land Trust as part of Audubon’s long-running Christmas Bird Count. Volunteers fan out across a fixed count circle on the island and tally every bird they see or hear. It takes place on a day within the December–January count window; the 2026–27 date hasn’t been posted yet.

At a Glance

• When: One day within the December–January Christmas Bird Count window. 2026–27 date not yet announced.
• Where: Across the Edisto Island count circle (“SCEI”)
• Cost: Free; volunteers register in advance
• Organizer: Edisto Island Open Land Trust; contact Land@Edisto.org
• Good for: Intermediate and experienced birders who can spend 8 or more hours in the field

A Young Count on an Old Tradition

Christmas Bird Counts take place in circles all over the country each winter, and the results feed one of the longest-running bird data sets there is. Edisto’s circle is new: its first official count was held on January 2, 2023, and the land trust has run it every year since. Each year’s count adds to a record of which birds winter on the island, information that matters to a land trust working to protect habitat.

Is It Right for You?

Be honest about your skill level. The land trust asks for intermediate-or-better birders, and the day runs 8 hours or more in the field. You’ll need to identify birds quickly, often by call, in marsh, forest and along the shore, and keep careful counts. If you’re newer to birding, a relaxed day at the spots in our bird watching guide is a better place to start, and the state park’s “Birds of the ACE Basin” program is another good introduction.

The Habitats on the Count

Edisto mixes beach, inlet, salt marsh and maritime forest in a small area. Species recorded around the state park and inlet include brown pelicans, ospreys, plovers, sanderlings and ruddy turnstones, with American oystercatchers and black skimmers at the inlet. A count day covering all those habitats can be long and rewarding.

Plan Your Visit

• Sign up early. Email Land@Edisto.org to volunteer and to ask about the date, your assigned area and the meeting point.
• Book lodging. If you’re coming from off-island, stay the night before. SC-174 is the only road onto the island, and count days start early.
• Dress for the marsh. Winter mornings on the coast can be raw and windy; bring layers, waterproof boots and food for a full day.
• Know the tides. Shorebird spots change a lot with the tide, so check our tide charts and the forecast.
• Know the access rules. If your area includes Botany Bay, remember it’s closed on Tuesdays and on scheduled hunt days, and requires a free day-use pass from the kiosk.

If you’d like to stay an extra day, the state park trails and our photography guide are a good next step.

Is it worth planning a trip around? For experienced birders, yes. It’s a chance to contribute real data and see the island in its quiet season.

FAQ

When is the 2026–27 Edisto Island Christmas Bird Count?

The land trust hasn’t posted the date. It falls within the December–January count window; email Land@Edisto.org.

Does it cost anything to take part?

No. It’s free, but volunteers need to register in advance.

Can beginners join?

The land trust asks for intermediate-or-better birders who can handle 8 or more hours in the field.

Details from the Edisto Island Open Land Trust as of October 2026; contact the land trust to confirm the date and sign up.