Fort Pulaski signficant site for both history, birdwatching

Fort Pulaski National Monument, situated along the Savannah River just a few miles from its junction with the Atlantic Ocean, was the site of an important Civil War battle, history that is memorialized and preserved today. But Fort Pulaski is also a significant natural area -- significant enough to be included on the list of the Lowcountry's 10 Best Spots for Birding.

Pulaski is the southernmost site featured in the interactive online graphic, and the only one located in Georgia. Launched June 16, the graphic is a resource highlighting some of the region's best spots to view nature and wildlife. Untamed Lowcountry is showcasing each of the spots individually, concluding with Fort Pulaski.

Located in Chatham County, the fort was the site of the Civl War's Battle of Fort Pulaski, in which Union forces on Tybee Island and naval operations conducted a 112-day siege, then captured the Confederate-held Fort Pulaski after a 30-hour bombardment. Reenactments and tours are held there regularly, but the National Park Service, which runs the site, also conducts nature programs there.

Fort Pulaski is home to about 200 species of birds, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website. With the exception of about 250 acres on Cockspur Island and 200 acres on McQueens Island, the 5,400-acre park consists of tidal marshes and mud flats.

Clapper rails, several species of sparrows and marsh wrens can be seen in the marshes around the fort throughout the year. Shorebirds can best be seen along the shoreline at low tide on Cockspur Island. The grounds include three walking trails, one of which is easily wheelchair accessible.

This story was originally published August 23, 2014 at 3:37 PM with the headline "Fort Pulaski signficant site for both history, birdwatching."