Fun Things to Do, Sight Seeing

Birding in Bluffton - Living in the Moment

South Carolina lake communities
Published on December 12, 2016

When most folks retire, they try to find enjoyable ways to occupy their time. They like to stay active, healthy, happy, and live a comfortable daily lifestyle. Retirees like to play golf, tennis, go boating and fishing, and be around like-minded people. And for many, birding is also a popular way to spend their carefree days. For all of these things, many people are heading to South Carolina lakes communities, where affordable waterfront living is met with a high quality of life.

Along the South Carolina coast, there are many islands and enclaves that are great for bird watching. Some of the best bird watching spots are in the Bluffton area, considered one of the top places to live in South Carolina. Just east of Bluffton, on the Atlantic Ocean Coast, are islands like Hilton Head, Harbor Island, and beautiful Fripp Island, where many native species of wild birds live and breed. In fact, Hilton Head has an annual bird watching event, thanks to the members of the Hilton Head Audubon Society. At the Hilton Head Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count, you can explore the island's feathered friends with fellow bird lovers. During the event on December 15th, you can gather with the Hilton Head Audubon Society as they spread in teams across Hilton Head and Daufuskie Islands, to identify and count each bird within a 15-mile diameter.

The Hilton Head Island Audubon Society owns the Audubon Newhall Preserve located on Hilton Head Island. The preserve is open daily at no charge from dawn to dusk, with guided walks conducted at 10am on Thursday mornings in March, April, May, September, October, and November ( weather permitting ). During the tours, experienced naturalists discuss the history, plants, and wildlife found on the 50 acre nature preserve. The walks are free to the public, with guided walks also offered for groups by reservation. It is possible to see about 200+ birds in the Hilton Head area - on the islands, beaches, marshes, lagoons, bike trails, harbours, and golf courses.

If you would like to live near a habitat with a wide variety of birds, then check out Hampton Lake, one of the most exclusive and beautiful South Carolina lakes communities. Hampton Lake features 340 acres of permanently protected forest, offering a rare wildlife habitat for birds and other creatures. Known as Hampton Preserve, this land is accessed by trails and boardwalks that meander through the safely gated community. Around Hampton Preserve, residents enjoy walking, biking, the fresh air and nature, and of course bird watching.

Over the years, Hampton Lake has earned a reputation for its nature, and as one of the top places to live in South Carolina. Yet there other reasons why its such a popular community. As one of the best South Carolina lakes communities, the property features a 165-acre freshwater lake, with a central basin, creeks, coves, and 15 miles of shoreline. On the water, residents enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and barbecuing. And the community has a number of other fantastic amenities. At Hampton Lake, residents enjoy:

  • 3 new Lakeside Har-Tru tennis courts
  • a fitness center with yoga and Pilates
  • access to two championship golf courses
  • a private spa for relaxation
  • a lakeside swimming pool
  • a community dog park

The Bluffton SC real estate development features some of the best construction in the region. Homes in the community are built in a variety of styles, including single family homes, condos, townhomes, and low maintenance villas. And there are undeveloped waterfront homesites that are still available for purchase. Current homes for sale at Hampton Lake include a 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom 2,135 square foot home with a spa shower, great room, open kitchen with large island, upgraded cabinetry and pantry, currently listed for $371,121. And there is a 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom 3,880 square foot home with great room architecture, a media room, screened porch and gas fireplace, currently listed for $599,900.

Why not explore one of the top places to live in South Carolina, now is a great time to visit the award winning Bluffton SC real estate development of Hampton Lake. Winters are mild in the coastal South Carolina Low Country, and December is the perfect time of year to visit the area. It is also an excellent time of year to do some bird watching, as migrating birds make their way south along the coast. If you do visit, check out the Hilton Head Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count, and see some of the wonderful homes available at Hampton Lake.

Call Hampton Lake direct at 866.875.5253 to schedule a tour.