Ground Surveys

Counting nests from the ground (from a canoe or on foot) generally is more accurate when compared to estimating the number of nests from the air. Additionally, dark colored species that nest in dense vegetation often go undetected during aerial surveys but can be documented during ground counts. The wood stork is an endangered species and accurately counting the number of nests storks build in South Carolina is a program priority. Each year, SCDNR conducts ground counts in all or most of the colonies where storks nest.

Research and Monitoring | SCDNR Wading Bird Program
585 Donnelley Dr., Green Pond, SC 29446, wadingbirds@dnr.sc.gov