Bird-Lover's Paradise
Port Royal lies in the heart of a biologically rich estuarine ecology. Visitors come from all over to experience and explore what native South Carolinians have come to know as the Lowcountry.
From an environmental perspective it’s the ability to explore many different land types including:
- Brush land
- Fallow field
- Forestland
- Freshwater ponds
- Salt marsh
Bird Types
In combination, these habitats support a diversity of bird and plant life. Bird wildlife commonly observed include:
- Large concentrations of white ibis, herons, and egrets
- Neo-tropical migrants
- Raptors
- Shorebirds
- Wading birds
- Waterfowl
Bird Sanctuary & Nature Preserve
The Town of Port Royal's Cypress Wetlands is a very unique environment located in between Paris and Richmond Avenues. It is home to three diverse habitats: a large open lake, a very rare Bald Cypress Swamp (PDF) with existing boardwalk, and a small duck pond. This project provides the community and visitors a wonderful chance to enjoy dramatic lake views, explore different habitats, and offer learning and teaching opportunities about the importance of nature and the diversity of these special habitats. A nature trail links all three habitats and signage educates visitors about the birding and nature habitats that make up the park. Our Bird Sanctuary and Nature Preserve were established with the help of Audubon. Friends of Cypress Wetlands is a 501c3 corporation that has been formed to augment the Cypress Wetlands and Rookery to ensure that future generations will experience the beauty and benefits it offers the Town of Port Royal.