Take advantage of the warmer weather and lower humidity. Join SIB in exploring the Lowcountry and its birds.
Beyond our Backyard: Bluff Unit National Wildlife Refuge
When: Sunday, March 5, 2023, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Meet at SI Real Estate parking lot at 7:00 am to carpool or meet at 2125 Fort Watson Road, Summerton, at 9:00 am at the Visitor Center
Max: 12
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests
Bluff Unit is part of the Santee National Wildlife Refuge located just north of I-95 on Lake Marion. The visitors center is closed but there is a Johnny on the Spot. After birding at the visitor’s center we will head to Wright’s Bluff Nature Trail. There is an overlook on Cantey Bay from which we may see a variety of wintering waterfowl including American Wigeon, Gadwall and Northern Pintail. During our walk through the woods we could see Black and White warblers, Orange-crowned warblers and Brown Creepers. In the large, open field we may see a variety of sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks as well as raptors. In the small ponds we should see a variety of ducks.
Expect 3 to 4 miles of walking over flat terrain. Bring lunch, plenty to drink, sunscreen and bug spray. You may also want to bring a scope.
Please register no later than Friday, March 3, 2023. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the event.
Register here
Learning Together-Palmetto Lake
When: Wednesday, March 8, 4:00 pm– 6:00 pm
Location: Meet at Equestrian end of The Lake House parking lot
Max: 15
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests
Join the Seabrook Island Birders for a leisurely walk around Palmetto Lake. We plan to walk part way along the path towards the Equestrian Center then hopefully see the “white birds” come in to roost for the evening. The path around Palmetto Lake is wheelchair navigable and for those walking, it will be less than a half a mile. As we walk along Seabrook Island Road, we hope to see some of our resident winter warblers (and maybe some early arriving spring warblers) such as Yellow-rumped Warblers, Palm Warblers and my favorite Black and White Warbler. We also expect to see a large variety of birds including Northern Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, Herons and birds of prey. If the “white birds” get the invitation, we hope to see Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets and White Ibis roosting for the evening. Hooded Mergansers, Pied-billed Grebes and Buffleheads may be seen swimming in the lake.
Dress in layers and bring your binoculars, hats, and a beverage of choice. You may also wish to bring a chair to sit and enjoy your beverage while watching the birds coming in for their evening roost. Sunset is 6:22 pm so timing will hopefully be good before the coming time change.
Please register no later than Monday, March 6. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Tuesday, the day prior to the activity.
Register here
March Movie
“Season of the Osprey”
When: Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Location: Oyster Catcher Community Center and Zoom
“An osprey soars over a small saltmarsh at the delta of the Connecticut River. From somewhere along the east coast of South America, he has just flown 4,000 miles to the place that is imprinted on his memory since birth, the saltmarsh where he will rejoin his mate. Foxes, deer, and scores of migrating shorebirds bring summer’s hustle and bustle back to the saltmarsh as the reunited pair mates and broods their eggs. Other osprey parents see their eggs snatched by predators that prowl the night. But this osprey pair is battle-tested. Over the course of one summer, they fend off enemies, catch hundreds of fish, and raise their tiny chicks into the next generation of these consummate sea hawks. This blue-chip Nature special explores the life of this incredible raptor with a depth and intimacy never before attempted. Shot in and around Great Island Marsh, where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound, filmmaker Jacob Steinberg achieved unlimited access to an osprey nest and offers a rich look at this unique species known for its life-long partnerships, dynamic social interactions and masterful hunting prowess. “Osprey are beloved birds, and yet they lacked a definitive wildlife film,” said Steinberg. “The moment I began observing the family that would become the film’s iconic subjects, I knew theirs was a story that would resonate with Nature viewers.””
Register here
Learning Together at North Beach
When: Saturday, March 11, 2023, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Meet at Boardwalk # 1 parking lot
Max: None
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests
Join SIB to bird at Seabrook Island’s North Beach. This three-mile round trip walk travels from Boardwalk #1 to the tip of North Beach along Captain Sams Inlet as high tide approaches. Birders from beginners to advanced will enjoy the variety of birds found on North Beach. At this time, many different species of shorebirds rest and feed near the point or along the beach ridge near the beach’s pond. Along the way, we will explore the many different species that can be found in this unique area.
As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, hats and sunscreen. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. However, there should be spotting scopes available for viewing if you don’t have one. Bring plenty to drink and a snack if desired. There are no facilities.
Please register no later than March 9. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on March 10, the day prior to the trip.
Register here
Beyond Our Backyard: Kiawah River
When: Sunday, March 12, 8:00 am–11:00 am
Location: Meet at the “bridge” entering the property
Max: 12
Cost: Free for members, $10 per guest
Welcome to the time change with another chance to check out birds that can be found on this varied habitat property. We expect to see a large variety of birds including Double-crested Cormorants, Egrets, Herons, Osprey and other birds of prey. If we are lucky, we will see an eagle and osprey duel over a fish. As we enter the property, we hope to catch a glimpse of the resident American Coots and Loggerhead Shrikes. We should also see and hear some of the smaller birds like Tufted Titmice, Eastern Bluebirds, Northern Cardinals. We will drive to various locations on the property and then walk for better birding observations. Of course, this also gives us a chance to see this neighboring development. Low tide is at 6:05 am so our chances for seeing shorebirds along the Kiawah River are limited….but we can hope.
As always, be sure to bring your binoculars, hats, water and sunscreen.
Please register no later than Friday, March 10, 2023. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on the day prior to the event.
Register here
Backyard Birding at Village of Seabrook
When: Friday, March 17, 2023, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Village of Seabrook Pool
Max: 12 – 15
Cost: Free for members, $10 per guest
Join SIB members at the Village of Seabrook Pool on March 17, 2023. Thanks to SIB member Judy Stevens, we have gained permission to backyard bird near the pool area of Village of Seabrook. This is located on Palmetto Lake at The Lakehouse. There is a picnic table and swing to sit on, but please bring a chair. We will not be allowed in the actual pool area. We will see many egrets, herons and songbirds. The afternoon brings in many birds that are getting ready to roost for the night. Meet at the gate entrance, which is located at the path around Palmetto Lake, close to The Lakehouse pool side.
Please register no later than March 15. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Thursday, March 16.
Register here
Learning Together on Golf Course Crooked Oaks
When: Monday, March 20, 2023, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: Meet at Island House (Golf Course parking lot next to Spinnaker beach houses) for ride along the golf course in golf carts
Max: 24 (If all seats in golf carts are used)
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests – Priority will be given to prior waitlisted & members
The Seabrook Island Club closes one course a day, each week and allows Seabrook Island Birders to use golf carts to travel the course with our members to bird. Join us for a morning of birding by riding in golf carts for at least 9-holes on Crooked Oaks golf course. We expect to see a large variety of birds including Egrets, Herons and birds of prey. We will also see and hear some of the smaller birds like Tufted Titmice, Eastern Bluebirds, Northern Cardinals, Carolina Wrens and some of the many warbler species. Since it is winter, we can also expect to see Eastern Phoebes, Northern Flickers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Belted Kingfishers, Double-crested Cormorants, Bald Eagles, and more!
As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, hats and sunscreen. Water will be provided.
Please register no later than Friday prior to the trip. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Sunday, the day prior to the trip. If you need to cancel, please let us know so we can invite people on the waitlist to attend.
Register here
Learning Together on Jenkins Point
When: Friday, March 24, 8:30 am– 10:00 am
Location: Meet at First Lagoon on left
Max: 20
Cost: Free for members, $10 donation for guests – Priority will be given to prior waitlisted and members
We’ll be exploring the birds seen along Jenkins Point lagoons and streets, including wading birds, shorebirds, song birds and possibly ducks. We’ll go from location to location via car or bike. Since this event can be primarily by car, it is appropriate for members with mobility issues. Meet at Jenkins Point Ct., the street after the first pond on the left.
As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, hats ,sunscreen, and water.
Please register no later than one day prior to the trip. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on the day before the trip. If you need to cancel, please let us know so we can invite people on the waitlist to attend.
Register here
-Submitted by SIB
(Image credit: SIB)