Calling All Bird Nerds…Come See the WILDLIFE on South Carolina Islands!

While island life has so much to offer, nature lovers flock to coastal South Carolina for the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, especially the birds. Bird watching is a popular activity for many outdoor enthusiasts, and for good reason. From a biology standpoint, birds are one of the most studied species on earth. One reason for this is that birds are easily observable – and they are literally everywhere. Often, you can identify the sex or age of many types of birds by the color of their feathers, or plumage. For example, even casual backyard birders can tell the difference between a male and female cardinal. The female is a muted, brownish-red color, while the male flaunts a bright red plumage that is impossible to miss. Juvenile pelicans can be distinguished from the adults by feather color alone. Juveniles are covered in grey feathers head-to-toe their first year of life. As they mature into adults in their second year of life, they begin to develop the distinct yellow, black and white markings on the face, neck, and chest.

There is much to discuss on the topic of birds and their biology, but you are probably asking what in the world do birds have to do with real estate? Well, let me tell you. The bird-watching “industry” accounts for over 41 billion dollars in ecotourism annually. Yes, I said BILLION. In addition, local community economies benefit from the $14.9 billion that bird watchers spend on food, lodging, and transportation. According to a study by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service “Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis”, the higher the income and education level, the more likely a person is to be a birder (see https://www.fws.gov/southeast/pdf/report/birding-in-the-united-states-a-demographic-and-economic-analysis.pdf).

South Carolina coastal areas are prime birding spots, and where the birders go, so follow their dollars. If you have ever considered investing in a rental property in the area, do not overlook the potential income that can be generated by this demographic of high income, highly motivated individuals. Let me help you target this market. AgentOwned Realty offers the entire package for investors – as your agent, I can find the perfect property for you to purchase, and our expert Property Management Team can manage the property year-round for you, from marketing to vetting renters to maintenance. With current interest rates, there has never been a better time to tap into this market. Give me a call, and let’s talk about options that might be available to you.