Category: Events

Unlike an Easter Egg Hunt, you won’t have to search for a SIB activity that you will enjoy. With ten different activities to choose from, there is bound to be something to suit birders of all interests. We would also like to remind to you to save the date: Friday, April 26, 2024 for our meeting with Rebecca Haynes, VP and Executive Director, Audubon South Carolina. Join us to learn about the mission and impact of Audubon in the Palmetto State. 

Beyond Our Backyard – McAlhany Nature Preserve near St. George, SC

When: Saturday, March 2, 2024  with morning only (8:30 – 11:00 am) and all day (8:30 am – 2:00 pm) options
Location: Leave Seabrook Island Real Estate to carpool at 6:30 am (please be there before 6:30 am);  Google maps indicates 1 hour 45 minutes to McAlhany Nature Preserve from Seabrook Island
Note:  Cars with low ground clearance are not recommended for the drive into McAlhany 
Max: 12 
Cost:  Free for members, $10 per guest

Join SIB to bird at the beautiful McAlhany Nature Preserve on the Edisto River near Saint George. This 367 acre preserve is under a conservation easement with the Lowcountry Open Land Trust and is owned and managed by the Charleston chapter (Charleston Natural History Society) of the Audubon Society. This property includes such habitats as one and a half miles of frontage on the Edisto River, a nine acre oxbow lake, bottomland hardwoods forest, a freshwater marsh, upland oak-hickory forest and a restored longleaf pine and native grasslands area. To get a feel for the types of habitats as well as the species that live and pass through, take a look at “Flora and Fauna of McAlhany Nature Preserve” .   

All birding will be on foot so wear comfortable hiking shoes.

In the morning, we will cover about two miles of wooded trails birding the south side of Wire Road along the River Trail. This area includes the river frontage, the oxbow lake, the Cypress Forest and flood plain. We can expect to see a large variety of birds including Egrets, Herons, Anhinga, and Wood Ducks as well as birds of prey like Barred Owl, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks.  We will also see and hear our resident smaller birds like Tufted Titmice, Northern Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, hopefully two vireo species – Blue-headed and White-eyed. A few sparrow species should still be present and we could also see several warbler species including some early arrivals or wintering warblers such as Northern Parula, Common Yellow-throat, Yellow-throated, Yellow-rumped and Black-and-White warblers. We will eat an early lunch at about 11:00 am in the picnic area. In the afternoon, we will explore the young longleaf pine and grassland areas on the north side of Wire Road covering about one and a half miles of sandy trail and fire breaks. We will hopefully see Sedge and House Wrens, Pine warblers, Eastern Bluebirds and other grassland loving birds. Many of these species can also be seen on either side of the road.  

As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, bug spray, hats and sunscreen. Bring plenty to drink and a picnic lunch to eat on the property. We will make use of the picnic shelter and have use of the cabin with bathroom, refrigerator and running water.

Please register no later than Thursday, February 29, 2024.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior the event.  

Register here.

Learning Together on Jenkins Point

When: Tuesday, March 5, 2024,  3:30 – 5:00 pm
Location: Meet at the first lagoon on left
Max: 20
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests

We will be exploring the birds seen along Jenkins Point lagoons and streets, including wading birds, shorebirds, song birds and possibly ducks. We will 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 Court, the street after the first pond on the left.

As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, hats and sunscreen. 

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.

Birding Beyond our Backyard: Huntington Beach State Park

When: Thursday, March 07, 2024, 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location: Meet at SI real estate office to car pool to Huntington Beach State Park
Max: 10 
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests; Park Admission: $8 adult; $5 senior

This is SIB’s first official excursion to this state jewel and we expect it to be worth the two plus hour drive. Our 2020 visit was canceled but subsequently several members have visited independently. The park is known as one of the best birding sites in the Southeast. A wide variety of birds can be seen at various locations throughout the park. eBird shows over 200 species seen in March in the last ten years with last year’s list including both wintering ducks and migrant warblers. The park has salt water marshes, hiking trails and three miles of beach. We will stop at the entrance station to get a current checklist and hopefully, expert advice from the rangers regarding best places to bird on that day. If you want to do some early preparation, the Carolina Bird Club has a full page dedicated to birding at Huntington Beach State Park.

Each person should bring their own snacks and beverages, as we likely won’t stop to eat until the return trip. Also be sure to bring sun block, bug spray, a hat, binoculars, camera and a scope if you have one.  

Please register no later than Tuesday, March 5, 2024. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.  

Register here.

Beyond Our Backyard at Kiawah River

When: Sunday, March 10, 2024, 8:00 – 11:00 am
Location: Meet at the “bridge” entering the property
Max: 12
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests

Welcome in 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.  High tide is at 9:05 am so our chance for 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 8, 2023.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on the day prior to the event.

Register here.

March Movie, “Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper ”

When: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 4:00 pm 
Location: In person at Oyster Catcher Community Center (if there are at least five people) and virtually via Zoom

“Life-long birder, Christian Cooper, takes us on a journey to dive into and discover the wild, wonderful and unpredictable world of birds. S1 E2 · New York City – (Jun 24, 2023) Christian Cooper meets the fascinating birds of his hometown, New York City.”

To learn more about Christian Cooper, click here.

Register here.

Learning Together-Palmetto Lake

When: Sunday, March 17, 2024, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Location: Meet at equestrian end of The Lake House parking lot
Max: 15
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by participating in a green event of bird watching! Join SIB 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 probably be only a quarter of a mile. As we walk along Seabrook Island Road, we hope to see some of our resident winter warblers such as Yellow-rumped Warblers, Palm Warblers and 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, Pie-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.

Please register no later than no later than March 15. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter 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 Crooked Oaks Golf Course

When: Monday, March 18, 2024  8:30 – 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 & 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 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 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.

Beyond Our Backyard – Charles Towne Landing

When: Wednesday, March 20, 2024, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Meet at Seabrook Island real estate to carpool at 8:00 am;
Meet at Charles Towne Landing at 9:00 am;
Lunch option after birding: Ms. Rose’s Fine Food and Cocktails
Max: 16
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests; 
Park Admission: $12 adult; $7.50 SC senior

Join SIB to bird at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, located off the Ashley River, sits on a marshy point where a group of English settlers landed in 1670 and established what would become the birthplace of the Carolina colony. The significant features of the site include river and marsh views, majestic oaks and magnolias and 80 acres of English park gardens. Wildlife you may see at the park include the threatened wood storks, alligators and various coastal wading birds in the wild.

We will bird along the trails and marshes. After the organized walk, you can visit the Animal Forest (included in admission) to see animals that once inhabited the Charleston area such as bison, puma, black bear, otters, various shore birds, wild turkey and more.

In 2021, some SIB members did this walk and enjoyed watching a Great Horned Owl with its branching offspring. In March, 2022, we saw 44 species. According to eBird, 134 species have been seen during the spring at this hot spot. The diverse environment provides for shorebirds, wading birds, raptors, and song birds.   

For the end of our morning, we plan to make a lunch stop at the nearby Ms. Rose’s Fine Food and Cocktails.  

As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, hats, sunscreen and bug spray.  

Please register no later than March 18. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter 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.

Backyard Birding at Jenkins Lagoon

When: Sunday, March 24, 2024, 8:00 – 10:00 am
Location: 1219 Jenkins Lagoon Drive N
Max: 12
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests.

Join SIB members Meredith and Clint Allen at their address, 1219 Jenkins Lagoon Drive N. The star of their backyard is a group of 14 roseate spoonbills. A pair have moved to a tree very close to the house. Could they be nesting??? They also have egrets and herons with an occasional visit from a bald eagle. Many songbirds have been identified too. Meredith has also invited us into her house for a light breakfast, coffee and mimosa bar.

Bring  binoculars and bug spray.  

Please register no later than March 22. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day before the activity.

Register here.

Learning Together at North Beach

When: Thursday, March 28, 2024, 9:00 – 11:30 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. Bring plenty to drink and a snack if desired. There are no facilities.

Please register no later than March 26. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on March 27, 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.

-Submitted by SIB

(Image credit: SIB, National Geographic, SC Dept. of Natural Resources)

SIB Shorebird Stewards (SS) will hold their 2024 training session on Saturday, February 24. It will take place from 10:00 am – noon at the Oyster Catcher Community Center. Please read Sally Budinot’s reasons for becoming a Shorebird Steward. If Sally’s experience appeals to you, please sign up for the upcoming training sessions  today! 

Like most of us, I spent much of my 40 year professional career inside, behind a computer screen. Retiring to Seabrook Island in 2020 was an epiphany for me and my husband, Doug. There is a whole world out here! There are no lions and tigers and bears, but plenty of alligators, dolphins, and, of course, BIRDS! I will stay clear of the alligators; the dolphins never cease to amaze me, but much of their time is spent where I can’t see them. But BIRDS? Who knew? Well, thankfully, many Seabrookers know, and are willing to share their knowledge and enthusiasm.

Moving to Seabrook during the middle of the COVID pandemic proved a difficult time for meeting new friends and neighbors. My desire to get out and meet people was my first incentive to become a Shorebird Steward. While precautions were paramount, I was still able to be outside, safely at a distance from visitors, and experience the wonders of the many migratory birds that are our part-time guests. Little did I know at the time, this Shorebird Steward experience would become a very important part of my life on Seabrook.

Being a SS means having a reason to put “beach time” on my calendar. Life can get in the way of enjoying so many of our natural wonders, but signing up for a shift causes me to get beach time “set in stone”. I never regret time spent on the beach. Even if there are few others on the beach with me, I can experience the awesome power of the ocean and the wildlife dependent on it.

I enjoy meeting people! Many of those I encounter on my SS shifts are residents of SI, either full-timers out on their regular beach walk, or part-timers taking in the changes that have occurred on North Beach since their last time there. And the visitors! They are here because they love this island! Many visitors I have met have been visiting SI longer than I have been living here, and they love it! They, too, marvel at the changes, and are always intrigued by the migratory birds. Visitors who are here for the first time are mesmerized by the array of wildlife, especially birds, that have found their way to our island home. For many, it is their first time to encounter Red Knots, Skimmers, Oyster Catchers, and Least Terns. And always, those newcomers ask “Do you live here? What is it like?” And I get to share how much I love it here, and appreciate how lucky I am, as indicated by their envy!

How do I know what I am seeing? How do I answer the questions thrown my way? Honestly, I can’t always! Shorebird Stewards are given thorough training by our birding enthusiasts, headed by Mark Andrews and Bob Mercer. We have refresher courses late each winter, in preparation for the upcoming season. Remember, we haven’t seen our migratory birds since last spring, so a refresher course is quite helpful! At first, I found it helpful to sign up with a more experienced birder, so that I could observe and listen to their interactions. I soon realized that one doesn’t have to be a birding expert to create a meaningful experience for our curious visitors. The Shorebird Steward leadership team provides excellent visual aids that accompany us on our shifts, and we always encourage those with whom we come in contact to visit our website for more photos and information. It is there that one can look at the photos up close (there is usually a sun glare on our phone screen) and can get more info on migratory patterns of our traveling birds.

I have never heard of Red Knots before my involvement with the Shorebird Stewards, since, when they arrive here, they are not red, I was a bit confused about them. But as I have learned about their notably long migration and Seabrook Island’s importance in their ability to make it to their nesting area in the far north, I have been compelled to learn more about other migratory birds. I have had the opportunity to see Whimbrels occasionally on our island, and to learn about how important Deveaux Bank is to their survival. I have been amazed at our resident Oyster Catcher U5 and his mate, and got to see them take care of their eggs, watch their chicks fledge, and to have my heart broken with Least Tern eggs that have been stolen by a predator. I am curious about how the changes to our dunes from the recent flood tides and storms will impact the upcoming spring nesting season.

Lastly, being a Shorebird Steward provides me with an opportunity to increase awareness of the fragility of our shoreline habitat. While we welcome new neighbors and visitors, our very presence creates challenges for the natural world and its inhabitants. I try to kindly and with grace show others that it is possible to enjoy our wonderful island while respecting our bird inhabitants and their needs.

Sally Boudinot

If you are interested in becoming a Seabrook Island Shorebird Steward, please visit the SIB website and click on the Shorebird Stewards tab. Sign up with your spouse or a friend, or meet new friends during the upcoming training sessions. Send an email to SIBStewards@gmail.com to join the group or ask for more information. It is a rewarding experience that you will surely cherish.

-Submitted by SIB

(Image credit: SIB)