SIB December Activities

Santa Claus is coming to town, and our winter birds will help Rudolph lead the way. Join Seabrook Island Birders for some December fun!

Beyond Our Backyard: Lighthouse Inlet

When: Thursday, December 7, 2023, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Meet at Seabrook Island Real Estate to carpool at 8:30 am or
meet at meet at Lighthouse Inlet at 9:30 am
Max: 10 
Cost:  Free for members, $10 per guest

Join SIB for a “Beyond our Backyard” visit to the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife. This is a flat and easy  0.8-mile out-and-back walk that leads to the Morris Island Lighthouse. We will also be exploring the inlet area beach and marsh for a further 1.0 mile along a beach path and beach. At this time of year, we hope to see Savannah Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Sedge Wren, Red-Breasted Nuthatch, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Eastern phoebe, Northern Harrier, dabbling ducks such as Red Breasted Merganser off shore, and a variety of sea birds and shorebirds.

Note there are no bathrooms at this location. Parking is along East Ashley Avenue.

A lunch option at one of Folly’s many restaurants will be determined later.

Travel details:

From Center Street, turn left onto East Ashley Avenue and follow this road to where it ends at a cul-de-sac.

Address:
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
1750 East Ashley Ave.
Folly Beach

Please register no later than December 5, 2023.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the trip

Register here.

Learning Together on Ocean Winds Golf Course

When: Monday, December 11, 2023, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: Meet at The 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 and 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 Ocean Winds 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/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.

December Movie, “Wild America – Season Two – Bird Watching”

(Episodes 7 and 8)

When: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 4:00 pm 
Location:  In person at Oyster Catcher Community Center (if there are at least five people) and virtually via Zoom

Wild America | S2 E3 Birds of Prey | Full Episode HD - YouTube

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 7: “Owls: Lords of Darkness” – The Owl’s incredible sight and hearing are second to none in the animal world, and its ability to fly with utter soundlessness is nothing short of remarkable. Its life history is endlessly intriguing. The eighteen species of North American Owls are creatures of mystery. Owls are undisputed champions of the Birds of Prey. They reign — as they have for ages — lords of darkness.

Episode 8: “Wild Wings”- America’s birds come in all shapes and sizes, and they range from homely to breathtaking. But they share one thing in common — the awesome power of flight. The airborne freedom which sets birds apart from other creatures has been envied by man for centuries. All the diverse bird types are seen — powerful predators, melodious songbirds, and graceful water birds.”

Register here.

Backyard Birding at the Boat Ramp/Crab Dock

When: Monday, December 18, 2023,  8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: 1201 Creekwatch Trace
Max: 12        
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests 

Join SIB members near the home of Melanie and Robert Jerome at the boat ramp on Creek Watch Trace on Seabrook Island on Monday, December 18 at 8:00 am -10:00 am. Yes, we are starting that early. You will have views of the marsh and river, with many shore birds, Spotted Sandpipers, Egrets, Herons, Marsh Wrens, and many songbirds.  There is a lot to see at the SIPOA boat ramp and crab dock. Low tide will be 5:52 am. The marsh by the fire station may have some additional birds. There will be seats available to sit and bird or a group can go walking. Just start out by walking back to the Jerome’s backyard.

Bring  binoculars and bug spray.  

Please register no later than December 15, 2023. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Sunday December 17.  

Register here.

-Submitted by SIB

(Image credit: SIB, Wild America)

December Activities at Freshfields

Letters to Santa – Drop off your letters to Santa in the special mailbox near the Christmas Tree on the Village Green. Freshfields will make sure Santa’s elves pick them up to deliver to Santa Claus in time. Don’t forget to include your return address and Santa will send you a special surprise!

Holiday Starlight Cinema Series – Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy a family friendy movie under the stars. The movies start at 6:00 pm.
~The Polar Express – Saturday, December 9. Starring Tom Hanks, this inspiring adventure is based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.
~The Santa Clause – Saturday, December 16. A divorced adman inadvertently becomes the real Santa Claus when he puts on the suit of a guy that falls off his roof. This is another Tom Hanks movie.

Cars & Coffee – Saturday, December 16 from 9:00 – 11:00 am. Arrive in your favorite ride or stop by the Village Green to browse unique, antique, and other cool cars.

Jazz Night at Porch Bar – Thursday, December 28 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Enjoy a local jazz group at the Porch Bar at the Andell Inn.

For more information about the events at Freshfields, click here.

Tidelines Editors

Reminder: Holiday Concert on Dec 4

Remember that on Monday, December 4, 2023 the Charleston Coastal Choir will perform a holiday concert, “Sing of a Merry Christmas.” The concert will take place at 5:00 pm at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, located at 3871 Betsy Kerrison Parkway.

Under the direction of Van McCollum, the Charleston Coastal Choir will perform both traditional holiday music as well as some unique musical pieces which will certainly help the audience get into the holiday spirit! Please come out to enjoy seasonal holiday music and to support your friends and neighbors in the Charleston Coastal Choir. We hope to see you there!

-Submitted by Deborah Banecker

Highlights of Thanksgiving Weekend at The Lake House

It was a busy weekend at The Lake House with a variety of holiday events. Thanksgiving day dawned sunny with a cool 48-degree temperature for the (just over) 5K Turkey Trot, an annual family-friendly, multi-generational, tons of fun event. Friday morning, our local artisans gathered to showcase their talents and wares at the Holiday Art Fair. Mid-afternoon on Friday, creatively decorated vehicles of all shapes and sizes led by Santa and Mrs. Claus made a loop around the island in the annual Holiday Parade. As dusk approached, a crowd gathered for the lighting of the Christmas tree while enjoying refreshments, music, s’mores and lots of holiday cheer.

Click on the line below to see a photo gallery of these events.

Continue reading “Highlights of Thanksgiving Weekend at The Lake House”

Museum Mile Month January 2024

During the month of January 2024, enjoy access to participating Museum Mile sites with the purchase of one low ticket price. With the Museum Mile Month pass, you can spend an entire month learning about Charleston’s rich history and culture while visiting sites in the order that best fits your schedule.

With adult tickets at $35 and children’s (ages 12 and under) at $10 for 13 different sites, this is a deal you don’t want to miss! Purchases can be made online in advance via the Museum Mile website through December 31, making these passes a great holiday gift. During the month of January tickets can only be purchased in person at the Downtown, Kiawah Island, Mount Pleasant or North Charleston Visitor Centers

Explore and enjoy all that Charleston has to offer with Museum Mile Month and show your support for museums. For tickets, click here

Participating Museum Mile sites include:

Aiken-Rhett House Museum

The Charleston Museum

Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
Must be with a child (10 and under) to be admitted

Gibbes Museum of Art

Joseph Manigault House

Museum at Market Hall

The Powder Magazine Museum

Old Slave Mart Museum

South Carolina Historical Society Museum

Heyward-Washington House

Nathaniel Russell House Museum

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Edmondston-Alston House

-Submitted by Museum Mile

(Image credit: charlestonsmuseummile.org)

Full Moon Bonfire November 27

Full Moon Bonfire
Monday, September 27, 2023

Location: On the beach between BW 1 and 2
Sunset – 5:14 pm
Moonrise – 5:21 pm
High Tide – 8:11 pm
Full Beaver Moon

Once again, this full moon promises to bring king tides but it’s the morning tides that are predicted to be high. A cool evening on the beach with a fire gives a great way to finish the holiday weekend. 

To keep things simple, each person brings what you want: food, drinks, chairs and a stick of firewood for a big bonfire. Nothing will be provided but a beautiful beach, a bonfire and, hopefully, a full moon.

Hopefully the weather remains accommodating. People ask if the bonfire will be held if it’s rainy…. the bonfire will be cancelled if it is raining or rain is threatening as few would be comfortable attending.

By terms of the permit, the fire needs to be out no later than 10:00 pm. The earlier sunset and moonrise times give us time to enjoy the evening.

Other night sky observation opportunities:

The International Space Station is not scheduled to be visible this evening.

According to spacetourismguide.com, the November Orionids Meteor Shower runs from November 13 to December 6. The shower is expected to have peak activity on the night of November 28. To spot these meteors, look in the general area of the constellation Orion. You don’t need to look right at the radiant point to spot them; instead sweep your eyes through that area of the sky.

The SpaceX has a scheduled launch on November 27 but the time has yet to be announced. This is to be a Falcon 9 launch of Starlink satellites. Starlink is a chain of satellites that reside in low-Earth orbit in outer space. The satellite constellation was launched into orbit in 2019 by SpaceX and provides worldwide, broadband internet services. It appears brighter than the space station and looks like a stream of lights are running across the sky. Findstarlink.com provides the dates and times it would be visible in the next 5 days.
 
Put these dates for the Full Moon Bonfires on your calendar

Tuesday, December 26 no bonfire unless someone volunteers to take charge
Friday, January 26– scheduled for the day after the full moon so the moonrise is after sunset
Saturday, February 24

There’s always plenty of room on the beach for everyone, so invite a friend or bring your houseguests. 

How the full moon got its name: 

Per The Old Farmer’s Almanac:
November: Full Beaver Moon – This was the time when beavers finished preparations for winter and retreated into their lodges. Space.com says some accounts suggest the name Beaver Moon came from the fact that this moon signaled it was time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs! Another interpretation suggests that the name Beaver Full Moon comes from the fact that the beavers are now active in their preparation for winter. Also called the Frosty Moon.

Other names: The names of the moon are most often related to natural signs of the season or to activities that were done at this time of year. Some of our favorites include:
• Deer Rutting Moon (Dakota, Lakota)
• Digging/Scratching Moon (Tlingit)
• Freezing Moon (Anishinaabe)
• Frost Moon (Cree, Assiniboine)
• Whitefish Moon (Algonquin)
I found another website that says the Cherokee Indians called it the Trading Moon and the English Medieval name was the Snow Moon.  

Another website says the Chinese call it White Moon.

-Submitted by Judy Morr

Homegrown Holiday Bazaar Dec 2

The tenth annual Homegrown Holiday Bazaar will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Johns Island County Park (2662 Mullet Hall Road) from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The Homegrown Holiday Bazaar is your one-stop shop for all things local and festive! With plenty of local vendors you’re sure to complete your holiday shopping in no time.

There will be lots of fun activities for all ages including seasonal themed games, crafts, bounce house, pony rides, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

The Holiday Bazaar is free to attend although there is a $2.00 per person fee charged by the Charleston County Park (Gold Pass members and children under two years old are free). There is plenty of free parking on site.

Tidelines Editors

(Image Credit: seaislandschamber.org)

Town’s Holiday Extravaganza Dec 7

Thursday, December 7
from 5:00 to 8:00 pm

We’re hosting the biggest little holiday festival right here at Town Hall. Come see Santa, drop off toys, have some great treats and listen to holiday music while you shop.

The Town is once again hosting a toy drive for the Toys for Tots program. If you are able to do so, we encourage you to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a family in need in the Charleston area.
Donations may be dropped off during the event or at Town Hall anytime between now and December 7.

-Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

December Activities at Kiawah

Kiawah has some exciting events for the holiday season!

Harmonize the Holidays

Saturday, December 2, 2023,
3:00 pm. Doors open at 2:30 pm.
Kiawah Island West Beach Conference Center

Tickets: Adults $15, Youth 15 and under $5

Harmonize the Holidays with the Southern Harmony Chorus and Palmetto Vocal Project, two local a cappella groups

For advance ticket sales, contact Jennifer at 843-530-3528
Come capture the Holiday Spirit!

Astralis Flute and Harp Chamber Ensemble

Sunday, December 3, 2023
7:30 pm Church of Our Saviour
Cost: No Charge

Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with the highly acclaimed artists of the Astralis Chamber Ensemble, an innovative and dynamic duo performing with much acclaim across the globe. Witness prize-winning artists Angela Massey (flute) and Rachel O’Brien (harp) present a magical concert with holiday favorites, including “The First Noel,” “O Holy Night,” and “Greensleeves.” The concert will also include classical repertoire to fit the spirit of the season with delightful works by Jean Cras, Andriessen, and Rota. 

GlassDuo

Sunday, December 10, 2023
7:30 pm Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Cost: $15


GlassDuo, the world-renowned glass harp performance group, is comprised of Anna and Arkadiusz Szafraniec from Poland — former orchestral musicians who were charmed away from the symphony by the sounds and the possibilities of the glass harp. GlassDuo has spanned the globe, performing the world’s largest glass harp in over 40 countries. Their crystal clear, expressive music attracts audiences and fans in concert halls, at international music festivals, on TV/radio, in ads, and at corporate events.

Piano Bar with Misha Pekar

Wednesday, December 13, 2023
5:00 – 7:00 pm The Sandcastle 
No Tickets Required 


Not meant to be concerts, Piano Bars are to enjoy with friends and offer an opportunity to meet neighbors outside your circle for some island socializing. Bring your beverage of choice and a snack to tide you over. View Misha Pekar’s website here.

Tidelines Editors

(Image Credit: Kiawah Arts Council & Christmas Clipart)

Thanksgiving Farmers Markets

Free basket of fall vegetables

Several Lowcountry farmers markets will be holding special markets prior to Thanksgiving. This is a great way to support our local farmers and get a jump on your Thanksgiving meal preparations.

Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Openverse)