Beginning March 1, 2022, Seabrook Island beach-goers may see Shorebird Stewards like Seabrook Island resident Tim Finan on North Beach on a daily basis. Shorebird Stewards educate people about the various shorebirds that use the Seabrook Island Beaches. All shorebird species are in decline and need help. Shorebird Stewards explain why shorebirds use the Seabrook Island beach and why beach-goers should “Share the Beach – Give Them Space”.
The Seabrook Island Shorebird Steward program is looking for more volunteers. Starting in March until July, stewards spend two hour shifts on the beach. The schedule is flexible and a scheduling website makes it easy to find times to fit anyone’s schedule.
Stewards don’t have to be skilled birders. During the training program, participants learn shorebird identification, how to use our optics, and how to be a good steward. The training consists of a two hour classroom session plus on-beach field training.
The public is invited to enjoy a zoom presentation by Felicia Sanders on “Hemispheric Flights of Migratory Shorebirds” on February 16, 2022, at 7:00 pm. Felicia has been active in shorebird conservation and research for over thirty years. Her talk draws on her many years of banding and tracking shorebirds including her five trips to the Arctic. She will also focus on the technology that allows scientists to track the migrations of many shorebirds that stop to rest or refuel on Seabrook: Red Knots, Whimbrel, Dunlin and others.
Register for Felicia’s Zoom talk here.
People interested in becoming a Shorebird Steward can register here.
All new Stewards should attend an SC Audubon led training on February 19, 2022, starting at 9:00 am in the Oystercatcher Community Room or watch a recording of the presentation. All Stewards new or returning, need to participate in one of the many scheduled field training dates (details to be provided to those who register). For more information or to join us for a North Beach bird walk, please contact: sibstewards@gmail.com.
–Submitted by SIB
(Image credit: SIB)