New live SC webcam shows one of the state’s best birding spots. Take a look

Bird lovers can get a live look at Huntington Beach State Park, which boasts nearly 360 unique species of birds, anywhere they have internet with a newly launched webcam.

“That’s one of our biggest claims to fame for Huntington Beach State Park, that more species of birds have been seen here in this park than anywhere else in the Carolinas,” said ranger Mike Walker.

Although nine other South Carolina state parks have live feeds, the Huntington Beach feeding station and salt marsh camera is the first in the Grand Strand. The project is a collaboration with Wild Birds Unlimited, which sponsors the camera, and the Waccamaw Audubon Society, which buys the bird feed.

Birds to watch

With hundreds of species to observe, Walker said viewers should be on the look-out for egrets, herons, wood peckers and more.

“Without a doubt, the one that most people are hoping to see is the painted bunting, and that is a small song bird that is easily the most colorful song bird to be found in North America,” Walker said. “It’s just about every color of the rainbow, at least the male is.”

The eye-catching migratory species typically make a home in the park from early April through mid-September.

“This is probably the best place in the park, probably one of the best places in the state to see one of those birds,” Walker said. “I get phone calls every year from people planning their entire vacation in South Carolina over when the painted bunting is here.”

Best times to tune in

The live camera runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but certain times tend to yield better sightings.

At night, visibility is low and viewers will have to rely on moonlight for observation. During the day, Walker recommends catching birds for their breakfast and dinner.

“I would say the first two hours of the morning or the last two hours of the day are probably the best,” Walker said. “The birds are just like people in that, when it’s super stinking hot out, they’re probably gonna lay low in the shade. So I would say in the cooler parts of the day, which is mid-morning and the late afternoon.”

Beyond the screen

For those inspired by the birds on their devices, Huntington Beach State Park is a top spot for experienced birders and newbies, alike.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday at the nature center, guests can check out the feeding station in person, pick up a detailed birding checklist of the 359 species spotted in the park and learn about the best birding spots, like the beach, causeway and jetty.

For a more guided experience, folks can also check out the park’s weekly birding program every Wednesday at 10 a.m. to learn more about the park’s avian residents.

This story was originally published May 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM.