Even the birds need some relief from the summer heat. Have you noticed more activity in your bird baths? Our August activity list is short, but fun. Our monthly movie is back after a month’s vacation. Grab some popcorn, sit back and enjoy. We had a good response to our TBA Sit, Sip, and See in July, so we are trying another one this month. Be sure to register so you can be informed about the date/time.
Learning Together on Golf Course-Crooked Oaks
When: Monday, August 7, 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 SIB to use golf carts to travel the course 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 summer, we can also expect to see Painted Buntings, Eastern Kingbirds, Great-crested Flycatchers, Orchard Orioles, Summer Tanagers, Mississippi Kites, 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
August Movie
“Wild America – Season Two – Bird Watching” (Episodes One & Two)
When: Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Location: In Person at Oystercatcher Community Center (if there are at least five people) and virtually via Zoom
The joy of birdwatching is one very popular way in which many people enjoy the wonder and fascination of our great American outdoors. More so than any other creatures, birds have captured the imagination of humans as they float on the wind, soar to great heights and make the world a more wonderful place. Episode One: The Bill makes the Bird – Whether it chisels, pecks or cracks, a bird’s bill plays a big part in what unique ecological niche it will fill. With sturdy conical bills, a Grosbeak crushes the hardest seeds. Using the notch on a hooked beak, a Falcon snaps the neck of prey. Limpkins slide their long curved bills into snail shells and, with spatula-shaped mandibles, Spoonbills seine southern waters. Episode Two: Birds of a Feather – Birds are distinguished from other animals by their feathers. Few of nature’s creations surpass the feather’s function, beauty and design. These delicate, yet complex, structures insulate, waterproof, camouflage, and adorn but the most notable function of feathers is flight. Join Marty Stouffer as we learn how feathers give birds a powerful edge in the struggle to survive.
Register here
Sit, Sip and See at Palmetto Lake
When: Monday, August 28 at 7:00 pm
Location: Picnic table at the back of Palmetto Lake near the playground
Max: 20
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation to SIB for guests
Note: If weather does not cooperate on this evening, we will reschedule later in the week so if you are unavailable on Monday, register anyway and put a note in the comment that you wish to be notified if it needs to be rescheduled.
Please join SIB for an evening of birding and socializing with your favorite beverage at Palmetto Lake. During the hot summer months, birds are more active in the early morning and early evening. We thought that this would be a great location to gather and sit and let the birds come to us. At this location, near the playground, we can relax and watch the herons and egrets fly into their now favorite roosting area. It is mesmerizing to observe the different groups fly into the lake area and then maneuver into their spot. There are a few places to sit at the picnic table, but you will probably want to bring a chair in order to get the best view. There will be SIB members available to carry your chair to our location. Birds that we should see coming into the rookery are Green Heron, Little Blue Heron, Great Egret, Tricolored Heron, Cattle Egret, and White Ibis. We may also hear or see woodpeckers, hawks, and passerines.
This is a BYOB and BYOSnacks event. If you are not an experienced birder, this is the perfect opportunity to get some tips on using binoculars and phone apps, and identifying species and bird calls.
As always bring your binoculars and hats. No sunscreen required at this event, but you might want to bring bug repellent, just in case.
Please register no later than Sunday, August 27. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Monday morning, August 28.
Register here
-Submitted by SIB
(Image credit: SIB)