Charleston Residents Encouraged to Count Birds This Weekend

Two bird surveys offer opportunities to spot migratory species like the Baltimore oriole.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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As thousands of visitors flock to Charleston for the annual Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is encouraging local residents to participate in two bird surveys this weekend. The 11th annual Baltimore oriole winter survey and the global Great Backyard Bird Count will allow birders to spot and report migratory species like the colorful Baltimore oriole, which has been increasingly sighted in the region in recent years.

Why it matters

Birdwatching is a growing hobby that combines the beauty of nature with scientific observation. The surveys help the SCDNR track the migration patterns and population trends of birds like the Baltimore oriole, which have been spotted more frequently in South Carolina during the winter months.

The details

The Baltimore oriole, with its striking orange and black plumage, is a songbird that historically wintered in Florida, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. But in the last decade, the birds have been spotted more often in South Carolina, likely drawn by the mild winters. The SCDNR is encouraging residents to participate in the surveys by reporting any Baltimore oriole sightings, as well as other bird species they observe.

  • The surveys will take place from February 13 to February 16, 2026.
  • The SCDNR has conducted the Baltimore oriole winter survey annually for the past 11 years.

The players

S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR)

The state agency conducting the bird surveys and tracking the migration patterns of species like the Baltimore oriole.

Keith McCullough

The natural history interpretation coordinator at Caw Caw Interpretive Center, who encourages birdwatchers to participate in the surveys with integrity and accuracy.

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What they’re saying

“Whether male or female, adult or young, their appearance is always met with some degree of heart flutter, for me at least.”

— Keith McCullough, Natural history interpretation coordinator (Charleston City Paper)

“The various oranges in their plumages are colors not seen often in the birds of this region.”

— Keith McCullough, Natural history interpretation coordinator (Charleston City Paper)

What’s next

The SCDNR will analyze the data collected from the surveys to better understand the migration patterns and population trends of the Baltimore oriole and other bird species in the region.

The takeaway

The bird surveys offer Charleston residents a chance to connect with nature and contribute to important scientific research, while also spotting the vibrant Baltimore oriole, a migratory species that has been increasingly sighted in the area in recent years.