Temps and humidity are a bit lower, migration is starting, and SIB is ramping up the activities. Join us for some outdoor fall fun.
Beyond Our Backyard at Kiawah River
When: Sunday, September 10, 2023, 8:00 am-12:00 pm
Location: Meet at the “bridge” entering the property
Cost: None for members; $10 donation for guests
Here is an opportunity 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.
As always, be sure to bring your binoculars, hats, water and sunscreen.
Please register no later than Friday, September 8, 2023. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on the day prior to the event.
Register here
Song and the Secret Lives of Sparrows
When: Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Location: Live Oak Hall at The Lake House, 7:00 pm registration, 7:30 pm program
Cost: None for members; $10 donation for guests
Register here
Beyond our Backyard – Biking & Birding the Greenway
When: Thursday, September 14, 2023, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Meet at the parking area for West Ashley Greenway (McLeod Mill Rd.
near Main Rd./SR S 10-20)
Max: 12
Cost: None for members; $10 donation for guests
Grab your bike and join us as we bike the West Ashley Greenway! This trail stretches about eight miles from Johns Island to the South Windermere Shopping Center on Folly Road (parking available at either end). The trail is open from dawn to dusk. It’s 100 feet wide and mostly hard-packed dirt and some asphalt. Plus, the trail is flat so it’s great for beginning bikers and kids. For the most part, the trail runs parallel to U.S. Highway 17 past neighborhoods, parks and marshes so there’s plenty to see. The City of Charleston Department of Parks has confirmed motorized handicap scooters may utilize the Greenway for this activity so some members may want to “bike” the Greenway in their scooters.
On Johns Island, the dirt gives way to rough gravel and narrow bridge crossings (beach/mountain bikes are better than road bikes on this section). The broad wetlands flank the trail, presenting magnificent views and rewarding bird sightings. If your timing is right, you may catch sight of the tidal flow that carved these lacework channels.
The map of this Rails-to-Trails site can be found here.
Join several SIB members for this biking & birding trip at the West Ashley Greenway. We hope to see shorebirds like egrets, herons and Roseate Spoonbills in the tidal marsh areas. We should see/hear some of our migratory friends as well as late departing summer birds and early arriving winter residents. Birds of prey are common to see flying overhead. When we did this ride in December 2021, 58 species were seen or heard. In November 2022, we reported 24 species.
Be sure to bring binoculars, camera, hats, sunscreen, bug repellant, snacks and water. Once we complete our ride, some participants will likely visit Angel Oak Cafe for lunch where all are welcome to join us.
Please register no later than Tuesday, September 12, 2023. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior the event.
If you have additional questions about the program, please contact us by sending an email to: SeabrookIslandBirders@gmail.com
Register here.
Learning Together on Crooked Oaks Golf Course
When: Monday, September 18, 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 with our members to bird. Join us for a morning of birding by riding in golf carts for at least nine 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 fall, 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
Beyond Our Backyard – CawCaw Interpretive Center
When: Thursday, September 21, 2023, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: Caw Caw interpretive Center. 5200 Savannah Hwy, Ravenel
Carpool: Meet at Seabrook Island Real Estate Office at 8:15 am. The drive is
approximately 40 minutes.
Cost: Free to members, $10.00 for non- members (Park entrance fee is $2 per
adult, or a gold pass)
Join SIB at Caw Caw County Park as we search for fall migrants. The park is comprised of three colonial era rice fields, fresh, brackish, saltwater marshes, cypress-tupelo swamps, bottomland, and beech-holly forests. All told, these varied habitats comprise a total of 654 acres with six miles of trails. Over 250 bird species have been observed within the boundaries of Caw Caw.
Some of the species we may encounter this time of year include Blackpoll Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks, Black and White Warbler, Swainson’s Thrush, Philadelphia Vireo, American Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Bobolinks, as well as our year round residents.
Appropriate footwear is recommended, as a likely walking distance of two miles is expected, and even during dry spells, wet trail conditions may be encountered. Participants should also consider these other items to maximize their comfort and enjoyment: binoculars, bug spray, sunscreen, hats, layered clothing to adjust to the morning’s weather, field guides if print is your preference, eyeglass – lens cleaner, water, snacks (an optional lunch stop afterwards at Angel Oak Cafe), camera, and a pack or shoulder bag for your needs.
Please register no later than Tuesday, September 19, 2023. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the event.
Register here
-Submitted by SIB
(Image credit: SIB)