Santee National Wildlife Refuge

by LPD | Sep 27, 2022 | Birds, Forest, Lake, Nature, Nature Photography, Nature Trails, State Parks, Swamp, Wildlife, Wildlife photography

Ducks swimming on the lake.

Over the weekend I traveled back down to the low country/coastal plain area of South Carolina, to visit Santee National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge consists of over 15000 acres and has 39 miles of shoreline along Lake Marion, the largest lake in the state. The refuge is made up of 4 units; Bluff, Dingle Pond, Pine Island and Cuddo. Each of which is host to a variety of different habitats including, hardwood and pine forests, fields, cypress swamps, freshwater marshes, ponds, a Carolina Bay and so much more, making it the perfect home for an incredible amount of wildlife species.

Speaking of wildlife, it’s estimated that over 300 bird species live within the refuge, including the federally protected wood stork. Santee National Wildlife Refuge is also a primary stopover and nesting area for many birds of prey, marsh birds and migratory songbirds. Geese and migratory ducks use it as an inland wintering area as well.

I was able to visit the Bluff and Cuddo units. Lack of rain has left several of the swamp and wetland areas somewhat dry, but it was still worth the visit.

The Bluff Unit consists of the Wrights Bluff Nature Trail. Right at a mile in length, it meanders through the woods and along, but not right up on, Lake Marion. The trail is somewhat overgrown but is not very hard to follow. There is a long pier, as you will see in the photos below, that leads out to a magnificent view of the lake. Some of the leaves were starting to change, which made for some nice reflections on the lake. I was also able to see a few egrets, a pelican, a stork, quite a few ducks and a handful of turtles.

The Cuddo Unit is in the eastern most part of the refuge. It is mainly a drive through and see type unit. However, there are several hiking trails and a place to put a canoe in the swampy, wetland areas if you so desire. As you’ll see in the photos, I came across a very large alligator resting on the bank of one of the marshes. My guess is somewhere around 12 foot in length, maybe bigger. I also saw another egret and several squirrels.

Santee Wildlife Refuge is a very tranquil piece of nature. Being home to such a diverse collection of wildlife and natural habitat, it is well worth the visit. I hope you enjoy the nature and wildlife photos below. Please be sure to stop by my Photo Collections for more pictures like these before you leave. Also check out Life’s Precious Dance on Facebook and give a like. It would be much appreciated. Thanks for spending some time here today. We’ll be back with another adventure soon.

Blue mistflower glistening in the morning sun

Spanish moss, growing amongst the trees in the Santee National Wildlife Refuge

Blue mistflower, with spider webs attached, glistening in the morning sun

Lake Marion with colorful trees reflecting and lily pads on the surface. An egret and stork along the bank.

Black and white photo of a pier leading to Lake Marion with leaves and pine needles on deck.

Photo from the bank of Lake Marion, through the tall grass. Colorful trees growing in and reflecting on the lake and lily pads on the surface.

Photo from the bank of Lake Marion, through the tall grass. Colorful trees surrounding the lake and reflecting on the surface.

Pier leading to viewpoint of Lake Marion. With tall grass and vegetation growing from the wetlands below.

Solo rock reflecting on the crystal clear blue Lake Marion

Two ducks swimming on crystal clear Lake Marion in the Santee National Wildlife Refuge

Large rock on the sandy bank of Lake Marion, with trees growing in the background

Bald cypress trees growing out of Lake Marion with trees along the bank in the background

Egret walking in the wetland, swamp area of Santee National Wildlife Refuge

Purple Water hyacinth growing along the wetland swamp area of Santee National Wildlife Refuge

Large alligator on the bank of swampy wetland area of Santee National Wildlife Refuge

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