Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is one of seven refuges administered by the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex. The refuge contains multiple islands and hammocks (forested islands in salt marshes), although Pinckney Island is the only one open to the public.
These salt marshes, tidal creeks, and freshwater ponds support a variety of animal and plant life. Over 250 bird species have been reported here, including waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, and migratory birds.
We visited for my birthday, and it did not disappoint! Along the road on the way in we spied great egrets, snowy egrets, tricolored herons, and white ibises.
Hiking Trail
There are over 14 miles of trails in the refuge. The Main Road Trail / Pinckney Island Access Trail spans Pickney Island from north to south. Its 3.5-mile path is an easy walk on a wide gravel road. Most of the other trails in the refuge branch off from this route.
The first stretch of road wanders between salt marshes on either side.
Ibis Pond
Ibis Pond was the first major area we encountered. It was a treasure trove of activity!
Rails like American coots, common gallinules, and soras swam along the water’s edge. A single pied-billed grebe swam with a group of coots.
I had never heard of soras before – they have very patterned feathers.
Carolina chickadees, common yellowthroats, and downy woodpeckers perched on and pecked at cattails.
We probably spent more than an hour slowly exploring the pond.
At the far end of the pond, a great blue heron flew into a tree inside the pond. Thankfully it was incredibly patient with us as we crept closer, and we took some excellent photos.
Other birds such as boat-tailed grackles, eastern bluebirds, northern cardinals, northern mockingbirds, palm warblers, and yellow-rumped warblers sang from the trees and hopped around the butterfly garden.
Starr Pond
After Ibis Pond, we continued on the main trail toward Shell Point. From this spur trail, we then turned to circle around Starr Pond.
This long, narrow pond offered some additional bird sightings. I noticed several small species – including common yellowthroats, northern house wrens, and ruby-crowned kinglets – as they moved near the shore.
In the water, groups of hooded mergansers slowly moseyed along.
After enjoying this pond, we made our way back to the parking lot. It was midday and we still had Fort Pulaski National Monument to explore. I will return to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge in the future to hike other areas and hopefully see even more wildlife.
As usual your eye is perfect for spotting even the tiniest of species. I am inspired to get a bigger bird book.