Seabird Sanctuaries - Deveaux Bank

Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary was established to protect significant nesting habitat of sea and shorebirds. Located at the mouth of the North Edisto River in Charleston County, Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary encompasses approximately 215 acres. The size of this sanctuary varies, and it may sometimes disappear entirely. The location of Deveaux Bank as an estuarine island was first documented in 1921, and it was documented as a seabird rookery in the 1930s. During World War II, nesting was temporarily interrupted due to the island's use as a bombing range. Deveaux Bank is part of a dynamic system; it completely subsided in 1980 due to erosion from Hurricane David and then slowly reemerged to provide seabird nesting habitat again in 1983.

Deveaux Bank's maritime grassland community lives on unstable sand dunes elevated above the highest flood mark. The grassland community is dominated by Russian thistle and marsh hay, which grow along with camphorweed, beach elder, beach tea and dog fennel.

Colonies of coastal bird species flying over Deveaux Bank

Deveaux Bank supports colonies of nesting waterbirds because of its isolated nature and lack of mammalian predators. Although all species may not nest on the island each year, examples of species that have used the island include: brown pelican, least tern, royal tern, black skimmer, gull-billed tern, sandwich tern, common tern, laughing gull, Wilson's plover, American oystercatcher, willet, great egret, snowy egret, tricolored heron and ibis. Besides providing nesting habitat, the sanctuary provides winter loafing and feeding areas for numerous species, including the federally-threatened piping plover.

The colonial nesting behavior of these birds makes them very susceptible to disturbance. Birds are densely packed into breeding sites during the nesting season, rendering the entire rookery susceptible to disruption or destruction. In addition, migratory and wintering shorebirds and seabirds need periods of rest and foraging free from disturbance to survive long journeys and inclement weather. Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary is closed year-round above the high water line with the exception of areas designated by signs for limited recreational use.

Also, Deveaux Bank has the designation as an "Important Bird Area" in South Carolina. The purpose of the Important Bird Area (IBA) program is to identify sites that provide vital habitat for birds using a scientific set of criteria. For additional information on SC Important Bird Areas visit SC Audubon Society.

In recent years, Deveaux Bank made national headlines as SCDNR biologists discovered the largest known concentration of Whimbrels, a rare curlew, using the site as a nocturnal roost on their Spring migration. Learn more about this discovery

Directions to Property

Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary is located at the mouth of the North Edisto River in Charleston County.

Hours of Operation

Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary is closed year-round above the high water line with the exception of areas designated as open for limited recreational use. Seasonal closure of the intertidal zone (beach) for nesting coastal birds occurs during spring, summer and into fall to protect nesting shorebirds and seabirds. Closed areas will be demarcated by signs when conditions allow.

Areas designated for public use are open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

Calendar of Events and Closures

Currently there are no events for this property.

Overhead view of Deveaux Bank Seabird Sancturary with two sections highlighted on the map. One is green indicating it is open and one red indicating it is closed. Also a message stating No Camping and Dogs allowed Year-Round

Additional Regulations for Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary

Regulation Number: 50-11-860

No dogs are allowed.
No person may enter any area of the sanctuary designated as a nesting area for birds.
Deveaux Bank Seabird Sanctuary is closed year-round above the high water line with the exception of areas designated as open areas for limited recreational use. Seasonal closures occur annually and are based on bird activity and suitable nesting habitat. Closed areas are marked with signage and symbolic fencing. Designated as a heritage preserve, all other DNR Public Lands Regulations apply.
No motorized vehicles, bicycles or horses.

The information provided on these web pages are for information only. Changes are made on the DNR's web site as new legislation is passed. Any discrepancy between these web pages and any statute or regulation shall be governed by the statute or regulation.