Category: SIB

Join SIB  in January as we welcome the new year with many varied activities. 

Backyard Birding on Loblolly

When: Thursday, January 10, 2023, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Location:  2132 Loblolly Lane
Max:  8
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests

Join SIB to bird at Frank and Joleen Ardaiolo’s home on Loblolly Lane. Birders from beginners to advanced will enjoy the variety of birds found at the home of the Ardaiolo’s. Joleen maintains over 20 different bird feeders with a variety of seed. She has had some rare birds seen in her backyard. Last year, the Western Tanager showed up. 

As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, hats and sunscreen. Bring plenty to drink and a snack if desired. 

Please register no later than January 8. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on January 9, 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.  

January Movie

A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds

When: Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 4:00 pm (In Person & Zoom)
Location: Zoom & Oyster Catcher Community Center

Even as scientists make astounding discoveries about the navigational and physiological feats that enable migratory birds to cross immense oceans or fly above the highest mountains, go weeks without sleep or remain in unbroken flight for months at a stretch, humans have brought many migrants to the brink. Based on his newest book “A World on the Wing,” author and researcher Scott Weidensaul takes you around the globe — with researchers in the lab probing the limits of what migrating birds can do, to the shores of the Yellow Sea in China, the remote mountains of northeastern India where tribal villages saved the greatest gathering of falcons on the planet, and the Mediterranean, where activists and police are battling bird poachers — to learn how people are fighting to understand and save the world’s great bird migrations.

This is a recorded program hosted by the sponsors of the Space Coast Birding Festival. We hope you will also join SIB members as we encourage you to read “A World on the Wing” and join us as we host Scott Weidensaul on Sunday, January 22, 2023.  Our guest will join via Zoom, and you will have a choice to be in person with other SIB members or joining on Zoom.  Registration for this event coming soon!

Register here.

Biking and Birding to Mingo Point

When: Thursday, January 12, 2023, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location:  Meet at The Lakehouse parking lot
Max:  none
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests

Join SIB for Birding and Biking to Mingo Point. This is a six mile round trip biking trip from The Lakehouse parking lot.  It is very casual with many spots for birding. If you would  like to meet us at Mingo Point instead of riding, just let us know. Birders from beginners to advanced will enjoy the variety of birds found on this trip. On the way back, there is the option to stop for lunch at Freshfields. 

As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, hats and sunscreen.  Bring plenty to drink and a snack if desired. 

Please register no later than January 10. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on January 11, 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 Golf Course-Crooked Oaks

When: Monday, January 16, 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 & 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, January 13. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Sunday, January 15, 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 – Pitt Street Causeway to Watermark Lake

When: Thursday, January 19, 2023, 9:00 am– 4:00 pm
Location:  Meet at SI Real Estate Office to carpool at 9:00 am
                  (or meet at Pitt Street Causeway at 10:00 am)

Max: 10            
Cost:  Free for members, $10 per guest

We are trying something new. Pitt Street Causeway offers a good view of saltwater marsh in Charleston Harbor where we can see shorebirds and ducks. After spending time at Pitt Street, we will go to a local restaurant near Shem Creek for lunch. After lunch, we will take a quick walk on the Shem Creek Boardwalk before heading to Watermark Lake, a great spot to find ducks of many species like Lesser Scaup, Canvasback, and Ring-necked Duck. Bring binoculars, camera and a scope, if you have one.

Please register no later than January 15, 2023.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior the event.  

Register here.

“A World on the Wing” Book Reading

On Sunday, January 22, 2023, we will have a short “book read.” The discussion/social hour will begin at 4:00 pm. Then, at 5:00 pm, Scott Weidensaul will join us on Zoom to talk about his enlightening book. Those who opt to attend in person will meet at the Oyster Catcher Community Center and watch the Zoom presentation together. Others can watch the Zoom at home at 5:00 pm. The book features Pulitzer Prize finalist Scott Weidensaul, author of “A World on the Wing.”

Register for both the in-person or the virtual event here.

Learning Together at North Beach

When: Sunday, January 29, 2023, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
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 Sam’s Inlet as high tide approaches. Birders from beginners to advanced birders 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. We ask that all participants wear a mask when unable to social distance if they are not vaccinated.

Please register no later than January 27. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on January 28, 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: Nemours Plantation and Bailey Road Tidal Impoundments

When: Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, 9:00 am– 4:00 pm 
Location: Meet at SI Real Estate Office to carpool at 7:00 am
                  or meet at Food Lion, Hwy 17 in Ravenel at 7:45 am to carpool to Nemours Plantation
Max: 18             
Cost:  Free for members, $10 per guest; donation to Nemours Wildlife Foundation is suggested

Join SIB for a guided birding tour at Nemours Plantation followed by a picnic lunch & afternoon side trip to  eBird hotspot Bailey Tidal Impoundment with a possible visit to the Old Sheldon Church ruins.

Important Note:  All participants must sign the liability waiver prior to entering the Nemours Property. We will have the waiver form available for signing at our carpool meet-up locations .

The Nemours Plantation is a 10,000+ acre site in the ACE River Basin owned and managed by the Nemours Wildlife Foundation.  We will ride in an open trailer through rich, diverse habitats consisting of remnant rice fields, brackish and fresh water marshes, upland and bottomland hardwood forests, pine forests, and cypress & tupelo forests. We hope to see waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds along with sparrows, wintering warblers, woodpeckers and other passerines. The Nemours Foundation has become an important center for conservation research and environmental education. We will learn more about how they achieve this mission during our guided birding tour. After visiting Nemours, we will have a picnic lunch.  Following lunch, we will bird the nearby eBird hotspot, Bailey Road Tidal Impoundments, where we hope to find a variety of waders, shorebirds, terns and gulls. Here you can bird from the roadside or the dikes overlooking the tidal flats. Uneven ground and some muddy conditions are possible here. The Old Sheldon Church ruins are quite close and are worth a quick look for those interested. 

As always, bring your binoculars/cameras/scopes, bird guides, hats, sunscreen and bug spray. Bring plenty to drink & a picnic lunch. If you wish to leave after visiting Nemours Plantation, plan your carpooling accordingly. Restroom facilities will be available at Nemours. We ask that you wear a mask when unable to social distance if you are not vaccinated.

Please register no later than January 29.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on January 30.  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)

SIB has plenty of activities leading up to the holidays. Get in a bit of fun, fresh (low humidity) air, and exercise before the holidays take place. 

Wine & Backyard Birding at Marsh Hen

When: Thursday, November 3, 2022, 3:00 pm-5:00 pm 
Location: 2335 Marsh Hen Drive
Max:  12
Cost: None for members; $10 donation for guests

Join SIB for wine and backyard birding at the home of Carole and Rick Heilman Their home is a beautiful, large wooded lot that has many songbird visitors. There are Wild Turkeys there too! The Heilmans have an elaborate bird feeding system set up on two sides of the yard with a nice seating area. There will be wine and light snacks served for those who want, with an outside deck and inside porch for bird viewing. Please come in from the front door.

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

Please register no later than Tuesday, November 1 by 10:00 am.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on November 2 .  

Register here

Beyond our Backyard – Biking & Birding the Greenway

When: Wednesday, November 9, 2022, 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 beginner 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). Here the broad wetlands flank the trail, presenting magnificent views and rewarding bird sightings. If our timing is right, we 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 Executive Committee 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 winter residents like Eastern Phoebe, Northern Flicker and Palm Warbler. Birds of prey are also common to see flying overhead. Fifty eight species were seen or heard when we did this ride in December 2021 .  

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 Monday, November 7, 2022.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the event.

Register here

Learning Together at North Beach

When: Tuesday November 15, 2022  10:00 am – 12:00 am (high tide: 12:44 pm)
Location:  Meet at Boardwalk # 1 parking lot
Max:  None
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests 

Join SIB Shorebird Steward leader, Mark Andrews, to bird at Seabrook Island’s North Beach. This three mile round trip walk travels from Board Walk #1 to the tip of North Beach along Captain Sam’s Inlet as high tide approaches. Birders from beginners to advanced will enjoy the variety of birds found on North Beach. At this time of year, 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.  Piping Plovers and other winter residents should have returned from their summer nesting areas.

As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, hats and sunscreen. There should be spotting scopes available for viewing. Bring plenty to drink and a snack if desired. There are no facilities.  

Please register no later than November 13.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on November 14, 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 – Caw Caw County Park

When: Nov 18, 2022, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm 

Where: 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, $5 for non- members (Park entrance fee is $2 per adult, or a gold pass)

Join SIB at Caw Caw County Park as we look for resident wintering birds. 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 bird species we may find during this time of the year include wading birds, ducks, Eastern Phoebe, Yellow Bellied Sapsucker, Ruby and Golden Crowned Kinglets, Red Breasted Nuthatch, Bobolink, Yellow Throated Warbler, Blue Headed Vireos, Pine Warbler, Northern Paula, White-Eyed Vireo, Wilson’s Snipe, Loggerhead Shrike, Rusty Blackbird, Brown Creeper, Winter Wrens and a variety of raptors.

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, camera, and a pack or shoulder bag for your needs.    

Please register prior to Nov 15, 2022.  You will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the event.  

Register here

Learning Together on Crooked Oaks Golf Course

When: Monday, November 21, 2022,  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 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 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 – Camp St. Christopher Conference Center

When: Friday, November 25, 2022, 8:00 am-11:00 am
Where: Meet at bus parking lot at St. Christopher
Max:  10
Cost: Voluntary donation to Camp St.Christopher

Come walk off the bird by doing some birding!!! Explore the lakes, lagoons, paths and slough at St. Christopher. This event will have one to two miles of walking over uneven terrain. We  should see all the usual suspects, but will also hopefully get a look at our some of our winter friends-Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Yellow-rumped Warbler and sparrows.

Bring sun block, bug spray, a hat, water and binoculars. We are asking our attendees to make a voluntary contribution to Camp St. Christopher to help support their efforts after a few trying years.

Please register no later than Wednesday, November 23, 2021. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Thursday, November 24, 2022.  If you need to cancel, please let us know so we can invite people on the waitlist to attend.

Register here

Beyond our Backyard – Kiawah Preserve

When: Tuesday, November 29, 2022, 8:00 am-11:00 am
Location:  Meet at the parking lot by The Station at Freshfields at 8:00 am
Max: There is a limit of 12 people, in three cars. Passes for Kiawah will be obtained the night before
Cost: None for members; $10 donation for guests

We will be birding through a well maintained trail through a variety of habitats including wetlands, maritime forest, ponds and a waterway. There’s an observation tower for those who would like to do some climbing to get a better view. Hopefully, we will see some late migrants, as well as birds that are overwintering there. 

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

All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Monday, November 28.  

Register here   

Backyard Birding at Cat Tail Pond

When: Thursday, December 1, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: 2500 Cat Tail Pond
Max: 12
Cost: None for 2022 members; $10 donation for guests

Come join us in Paula and Bob’s Adamson’s backyard. They live right on the golf course and have six feeders plus a birdbath and two bluebird boxes. They even have two owl boxes. Many birds can be seen from the deck or the yard.  In addition to birds, they have turkeys, squirrels, bunnies, raccoons and possums.

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

Please register no later than Monday November 29 at 10:00 am. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Wednesday, November 30. 

Register here   

-Submitted by SIB

No tricks, just treats, as SIB offers numerous  birding opportunities in October. There is bound to be one that interests you. The trip to Kiawah’s Bird Banding Station filled up so quickly that we are offering a second trip. Be sure to check it out!

Beyond Our Backyard – Ft. Moultrie

When: Wednesday,  October 05, 2022, 8 am -10 am
Location:  Meet at SI Real Estate Office to carpool (7:00 am) or meet us at the Fort (1214 Middle St, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482. Park at Poe Avenue in the sand parking lot between Battery Jasper and Battery McCorkle)
Max: 12
Cost:  Free for members, $5 per guest

Join us for a trip to Ft. Moultrie. This is a well known birding hotspot among birders and fall migration will be in full swing. We may see many migrant birds passing through. It has many different habitats, including meadow/field, forest and shoreline. We are lucky enough to have Craig Watson lead this activity.  Craig is a retired  Migratory Bird Biologist at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and lives in Mt. Pleasant. He knows Ft. Moultrie very well when it comes to birding.

Ft. Moultrie is the first fort on Sullivan’s Island. It has been rebuilt three times since 1776 and played a significant role in the Civil War. Today, Fort Moultrie has been restored to portray the major periods of its history. A visitor to the fort moves steadily backwards in time from the World War II Harbor Entrance Control Post to the site of the Palmetto-log fort of 1776. A tour of Ft. Moultrie will not be part of our birding activity, but if you drive there yourself, you are welcome to stay and tour the fort. They are open 9 am-5 pm and you will need to go to the Visitor Center and purchase a $10 ticket. We will be birding the perimeter of the Fort before opening hours.

Be sure to bring sunblock, bug spray, a hat, binoculars, camera and a scope if you have one.  

Please register no later than Monday, October 03, 2022.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the event.  

Register here.

October Big Day

When: Saturday, October 08, 2022,  7:30 am – 7:00 pm 
Location: Various locations around Seabrook Island
Max: 10 Cost:No cost for members, $5 for non-members

Join us for eBird’s October Big Day. The eBird site describes the event as follows – “Wherever you are on October 8, take a few minutes to join the world of birding on October Big Day. Participate from anywhere—even home! By taking part in October Big Day, you’re also celebrating Global Bird Weekend and World Migratory Bird Day. Be a part of the global team and help set a new record for October birding.”  

On Seabrook Island, the event will involve walks at various locations throughout the day. The schedule below allows for individuals to sign up for a portion of the day if the whole day is not of interest. We request you register for all sections you will be attending so we know if we should wait for you at any individual location. You can participate in the “Bird my Backyard” to record your observations even if you are not on Seabrook  Island.

We have added a “virtual” activity this year where people can bird in the comfort of their own homes and share their findings with the group.

– Bird my backyard – Bird your own property for as long as you want, as many times as you want throughout the day. Keep a list (in eBird or in a form we will provide) and share your findings with SIB.  “Your own property” can be a golf course, a camp ground or an interstate highway….wherever you happen to see birds, share your observations.

– Maintenance Area – 7:30 am – 9:30 am
Walk around the water treatment area to possibly see egrets, wood storks, and even fall migrating warblers. If time permits, we will also venture into the club boat / camper storage area in search of early arriving sparrows. This activity is limited to 10 people and requires signature of a release form to the water treatment facility.

– Camp St. Christopher – 10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Explore the lakes, lagoons, paths and slough at St. Christopher. This event will have one to two miles of walking over uneven terrain. Due to its location on the end of Seabrook Island, we may see shorebirds on the beach, songbirds in the woods and waders in the marshes along Bohicket Creek.  We ask participants for a voluntary donation to Camp St. Christopher.

– Jenkin’s Point – 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
We will be exploring the birds seen along Jenkins Point lagoons and streets, including ducks, wading birds and shorebirds. 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 Ct, the street after the first pond on the left.

– Palmetto Lake – 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm 
Join us to explore the birds around The Lake House and the walks of Palmetto Lake. This is less than one mile of flat, paved walk around the lake. Recently, White Ibis, Cattle Egret, Little Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets have come into roost in late afternoon so we hope they continue to provide a show.  Meet at the Equestrian end of The Lake House parking lot.  

– Equestrian Center – 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (Sunset 6:55 pm)

Join us for happy hour at the Equestrian Center. Bring your drink / snacks of choice while we recap our day while observing the resident European Starlings, Eastern Bluebirds, plus many other species. Our plan is to bird from the comfort of our chairs with occasional “excursions” to a fence or tree to see a particular bird.

For all events, bring sunblock, bug spray, a hat, water, snacks and binoculars.  

Please register to let us know which portions you plan to attend no later than Thursday, October 6, 2022.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Friday, October 7, 2022.  

Register here.

Visit the Kiawah Banding Station

When: Wednesday, October 12, 2022  7:30 am – 11:30 am 
Location: Meet at Beachwalker Park Parking Area at 7:30 am
Max:  10  
Cost: $20 donation (cash to be collected at Beachwalker)

When our October 7 visit quickly filled, Aaron agreed to schedule a second visit.  

Join SIB for a visit to Kiawah Banding Station on Cap’n Sam Spit. Every August through November, Aaron Given of Kiawah Island sets up twenty-five 40’ mist nets on Cap’n Sam’s Spit where, over the next couple of months, he collects birds for banding, measuring, and weighing. We schedule our trip for October, the peak migration time for all sorts of songbirds including vireos, warblers, catbirds, chickadees, etc. In prior years, they netted all of the above and even a beautifully-colored flicker (large woodpecker). The plan is to leave our cars at Beachwalker Park, then walk about a half mile on the beach to the banding site. Tides should be favorable, so most walking will be on hard beach (moderate).  

Wear boots or shoes you don’t mind getting wet, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Bring binoculars, bug spray, sun screen, water and of course your cell phone or camera to take photos.

This event is open to members only.  If you are not yet a 2022 SIB member, you must first become a member for only $10 by following the instructions on our website. You may bring the form and your dues to the event.  All participants are also requested to make a $20 donation.  

Please register no later than October 10. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on October 11, 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 – College of Charleston’s Stono Preserve 

When: Saturday, October 15, 2022, 7:30 am – 2:30 pm
Location: Meet at Seabrook Island Real Estate to carpool at ­­­­6:30 am Meet at Publix on Main Road and Hwy 17 at 7:05 am to carpool to Stono Preserve
Max: 14          
Cost: Free for members; $5 donation for guests 

Join SIB to bird at the Stono Preserve of the College of Charleston.  This beautiful 981-acre property along the Stono River and the Intracoastal Waterway provides a natural, outdoor laboratory for a variety of disciplines at the College of Charleston. For more information on this property, be sure to visit the link above. In the morning, we will enjoy a tour of this property led by Dr. Melissa Hughes, Professor in the Biology Department, in which she will take us birding through a variety of habitats. In the morning, we will walk along lowland forest bordering the Stono River, passing open marsh and both brackish and freshwater ponds; depending on time, we may also walk along open fields. We should see a variety of wading and shorebirds (depending on water depth in the brackish pond), raptors (Osprey and Bald Eagles both nest on the site; American Kestrels are also common and both Great-horned and Barred Owls have been spotted during the day by following the commotion of crow and jays), woodpeckers (the site hosts all SC species except the Red-cockaded) and wintering warblers and sparrows.

As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, hats, sunscreen and bug spray. Bring plenty to drink and a picnic lunch to eat on the property.

 There is water on the property but we have been advised that it may not taste very good because the pipes are infrequently in use. We have also been warned that the Dixie Plantation Road leading to the site is a dirt road that may not be in great shape so drive with caution. We will have access to bathroom facilities and the beginning of our tour and during lunch. After our morning tour, we will picnic on site in the screened porch/classroom or on the outdoor deck.  Following lunch, Melissa will suggest some areas where we can do additional birding. 

Please register no later than Thursday, October 13, 2022. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the event.  

Register here.

Learning Together on Bobcat and Six Ladies Trails – October 18, 2022

When: Tuesday, October 18, 8:00 am – 10:00 am 
Location: Bobcat and Six Ladies Trails
Max: 12 
Cost: None for members; $5 donation for guests

As the weather cools and mosquitos diminish, it is a great time for an outing to BobCat Trail with an extension to Six Ladies Trail allowing for viewing of some the birds that hang out at the beach then continue on to the shade of Six Ladies Trail. 

Along this trail we should see our local Eastern Towhee who likes to hang out at the Boardwalk 1 end of BobCat Trail. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Northern Cardinals and Gulls and Egrets should also be seen. We also hope to see a Northern Harrier. While on Six Ladies Trail, we may see some raptors and egrets at a stop at the picnic table looking over the marsh towards Creek Watch .  

As always, bring binoculars/camera, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks and water. Feel free to bring your coffee and a breakfast bar to enjoy at the picnic table.

Please register no later than Sunday, October 16, 2022.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Monday, October 17. 

If you have additional questions about the program, please contact us by sending an email to: SeabrookIslandBirders@gmail.com

Register here.

Learning Together on Ocean Winds Golf Course

When: Monday, October 24, 2022, 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; $5 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 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.

Beyond Our Backyard-Bear Island and Donnelly WMA

When: Sunday, October 30, 2022, 6:00 am– 4:00 pm (sunrise 7:35 am)
Location: Meet at Seabrook Island Real Estate Office to carpool 
Max: 12
Cost: Free for members, $5 per guest

If you have never been to Bear Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) or to Donnelly WMA, you won’t want to miss this opportunity – it’s well worth the 60-mile one-way trip!  Part of the ACE Basin, this area is perfect habitat for birds with ponds, rivers, salt marsh, freshwater marsh, mudflats, mixed pine-hardwood forest and farmland.  Most of the birding is done by car with stops to get out and take short walks for viewing. Bear Island closes for hunting from November 1 – February 9 each year, so this is the last chance to visit before spring. We hope the winter waterfowl will have returned, including the Tundra Swan. 

Each person should bring their own lunch, snacks and beverages, as there are no restaurants in the area. Also be sure to bring sunblock, bug spray, a hat, binoculars, camera and a scope if you have one.  

Please register no later than Thursday, October 27, 2022.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the event. If you need to cancel, please let us know so we can invite people on the waitlist to attend.

Register here.

-Submitted by Seabrook Island Birders

As the weather cools just a bit, along with the migrating birds, Seabrook Island Birders is becoming more active. 

SIB Backyard Birding at Boat Ramp – September 8, 2022

Join SIB members near the home of Melanie and Robert Jerome at the boat ramp on Creek Watch Trace on Seabrook Island on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, 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 including Spotted Sandpipers, Egrets, Herons, marsh wrens, and many songbirds. There is a lot to see at the SIPOA boat ramp and crab dock. King High Tide will be at 6: 30 am in the morning. We could possibly see the otters that like to come out at high tide. 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. Bring binoculars and bug spray.

When: Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, 8:00 am – 10:00 am

Where: Boat ramp on Creek Watch Trace

Max: 12 – 15 people

Cost: Free for SIB members or $5 for non-members

Please register here no later than Tuesday, September 6. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Wednesday, September 7.  

Learning Together at North Beach – September 13, 2022

Join SIB Shorebird Steward leader Mark Andrews 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 birders 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. Piping Plovers and other winter residents are beginning to return from their summer nesting areas.

As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, hats, and sunscreen. Bring a spotting scope if you have one. There should be spotting scopes available for viewing. Bring plenty to drink and a snack if desired. There are no facilities.  

When: Sept. 13, 2022, 8:30 am – 10:30 am

Where: Meet at Boardwalk #1 parking lot

Max: None

Cost: Free for SIB members or $5 for non-members

Please register here no later than September 11.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on September 12, 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.

Learning Together on Crooked Oaks Golf Course – September 19, 2022

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 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. 

When: Sept. 19, 2022, 8:30 am – 10:30 am

Where: 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 SIB members or $5 for non-members – Priority will be given to prior waitlisted & members

Please register here 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.

Learning Together-Palmetto Lake – September 27, 2022

Celebrate Fall Migration by walking and bird watching around Palmetto Lake located behind The Lake House! Join the Seabrook Island Birders in search of some warblers who are short-term visitors on the island during the fall migration season. The path around Palmetto Lake is wheelchair navigable and for those who will be walking, it is flat and will be at a leisurely pace. We hope to see some of our resident warblers such as Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, and the Black and White Warbler. In addition, it is highly likely that we will see a few Redstarts, Yellow Warblers, and possibly Black-throated Blue Warbler, and the  Common Yellow Throat. Naturally, there should be Bluebirds, Northern Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmouse, different woodpeckers, and raptors in the area. 

If the “white birds” get the invitation, we hope to see Snowy Egrets, Tri-colored Herons, Great Egrets, and White Ibis roosting for the evening with possibly a couple Night Herons and Green Herons mixed in. Laughing Gulls and Terns often fly overhead. 

Bring your binoculars, hats, bug spray 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.

When: Sept. 27, 2022, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: Meet at the equestrian end of The Lake House parking lot

Max: 15

Cost: Free for SIB members or $5 for non-members – Priority will be given to prior waitlisted & members

Please register here no later than Sunday, September 25. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Monday, the day prior to the trip.  

-Submitted by SIB

While we are all enjoying the cool, air conditioned indoors, join SIB in the early morning and evening for some time with friends, both avian and human. 

Sit, Sip and See at Palmetto Lake

When: Monday, August 15 at 7:00 pm 
Location: Picnic table at the back of Palmetto Lake near the playground 
Max: 20
Cost: Free for members; $5 donation to SIB for guests

Please join Seabrook Island Birders 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 could additionally hear or see woodpeckers, hawks, and passerines.

This is a BYOB and BYO Snacks 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. 

Register no later than Sunday, August 14 . All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Monday morning, August 15.

Register here.

Learning Together on Crooked Oaks Golf Course

When: Monday, August, 22, 2022, 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; $5 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 summer, we can also expect to see 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. We ask that all participants wear a mask when unable to social distance if they are not vaccinated.

Please register no later than Friday prior to the trip.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on the 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.

-Submitted by SIB

Seabrook Island Birders will be slowing down during the summer heat. However, there will still be opportunities to enjoy some birding. 

The Secret and Swampy Lives of Wood Storks!

When: Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Registration begins at 7:00 pm; Program begins at 7:30 pm

Where: Live Oak Hall at The Lake House

Register here

Sit, Sip and See at Hurd’s Garden

When: Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 7:00 pm 
Location: Hurd’s Garden & Dock at 2116 Loblolly Lane
Max: 20
Cost: Free for members; $5 donation to SIB for guests

Please join Seabrook Island Birders for an evening of birding and socializing with your favorite beverage in a beautiful garden with feeders and lagoon views. 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. There are places to sit in the garden and on the dock, but you can also bring your own chair. Birds that we might see or hear are Great-crested Flycatcher, Mississippi Kite, Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, Tufted Titmouse, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and more. 

This is a bring-your-own-beverage and bring-your-own-snacks 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. 

Lee and Doug Hurd acquired the adjoining lot next to their home many years ago and have been working on making it into a garden for all to enjoy. Just this spring, Lee removed some of the non-native invasive plants to convert the area into a pollinator garden. It is a beautiful place to spend an evening. 

As always, bring your binoculars and hats. You might want to bring bug repellent, just in case. 

Please register no later than Wednesday, July 13 . All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Thursday morning, July 14.

Register here

Learning Together on Crooked Oaks Golf Course – Sunday, July 17

When: Sunday, July 17, 2022  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; $5 donation for guests – Priority will be given to prior waitlisted & members

The Seabrook Island Club will be closing Crooked Oaks Golf course for aeration, however the club is permitting 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 summer, we can also expect to see 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 Saturday, 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)

During the heat of summer, we all slow down. Seabrook Island Birder activities are no different. However, we do still have some exciting and informative activities to offer.

***Save the date***

The Secret & Swampy Lives of Wood Storks! – July 12, 2022

When: Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Registration starts 7:00 pm; Program starts 7:30 pm

Location: Live Oak Hall at The Lake House

Dr. Kristina Ramstad, Associate Professor, Dept. of Biology & Geology at the University of South Carolina, will discuss how technologies are providing windows into many unknown aspects of Wood Stork behavior and population dynamics: hatching success, migration, mating system and population structure, and how outcomes of research influence the conservation and management of storks under current climate change scenarios.

Register here.

Learning Together on Bobcat and Six Ladies Trails – June 05, 2022

When: Sunday, June 05, 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Bobcat and Six Ladies Trails
Max:  12
Cost: None for members; $5 donation for guests

Summer birding may be a little slower but an outing to Bobcat Trail with an extension to Six Ladies Trail allows for viewing of some the birds that hang out at the beach then continue on to the shade of Six Ladies Trail. Along this trail, we should see our local favorite Painted Bunting who likes to hang out at Boardwalk 1 at the end of Bobcat Trail. Great Crested Flycatchers, Eastern Towhee and Gulls and Egrets should also be seen. We also hope to see a Summer Tanager. While on Six Ladies Trail, we will stop at the picnic table looking over the marsh towards Creek Watch to look at some raptors and egrets.  

As always, bring binocular/camera, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks and water.

Please register no later than Friday, June 3, 2022.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Saturday, June 4.

If you have additional questions about the program, please contact us by sending an email to: SeabrookIslandBirders@gmail.com

Register here.

Learning Together on Golf Course-Ocean Winds – June 12, 2022

When: Sunday, June, 12, 2022,  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; $5 donation for guests – Priority will be given to prior waitlisted & members

Ocean Winds Golf Course will be closed for aeration so the Seabrook Island Club allows Seabrook Island Birders to use golf carts to travel the course with our members to bird on this rare Sunday morning. 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 summer, we can also expect to see 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 the Saturday, 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.

June Movie – “Bird vs. Plane: Miracle on the Hudson” – June 14, 2022

When: Tuesday, June 14, 2022, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Zoom & TBD In-person

US Airways Flight 1549 is about two minutes into its journey from LaGuardia Airport to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2009 when bird strikes to both engines cripple the plane. What results is an emergency landing on the Hudson River that astonishes the world and shines a light on a growing problem affecting our increasingly busy skies. Follow a team of forensic ornithologists and discover the remarkable research being conducted to solve the bird strike problem. Watch the trailer.

Register here.

Learning Together-Palmetto Lake – June 23, 2022

When: Thursday, June 23, 2022, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location:  Meet at Equestrian end of The Lake House parking lot
Max:  15
Cost: Free for 2022 members, $5 for guests

Celebrate the official start of summer by bird watching! 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 probably only a quarter of a mile.  As we walk along Seabrook Island Road, we hope to see some of our resident summer warblers such as Yellow-throated Warblers or Black and White Warblers.  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. Laughing Gulls and Terns often fly overhead. Orchard Orioles, Summer Tanagers and Brown Thrashers are also possibilities.

Bring your binoculars, hats, bug spray 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 Tuesday, June 21. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Wednesday, the day prior to the trip.  

Register here.

Learning Together at Kiawah River – June 26, 2022

When: Sunday, June 26, 2022  8:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Meet at the “bridge” entering the property
Cost: None for members; $5 donation for guests

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 Anhingas, Egrets, Herons, Osprey and other birds of prey. The tide will be going out so hopefully we’ll see some shorebirds on the mud flats of Kiawah River.  If we are lucky, we will see an eagle and osprey duel over a fish. 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, June 24, 2022.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Saturday, June 25.  

Register here.

-Submitted by SIB

(Image credit: Primevideo.com)

April brings many shorebirds to Seabrook Island’s North Beach. Some are getting ready for long migrations and others are here to nest. That means that Seabrook Island Birders (SIB) Shorebird Stewards, while continuing to focus on educating beachgoers about Red Knots and assisting with Red Knot research, will now have another job of protecting the birds that nest in the area posted by yellow SCDNR signs.

About 4,000 Red Knots are now using the beaches of Seabrook Island and Kiawah to feed on Donax clams to bulk up for their journey to the Arctic to nest. Red Knots are listed as Federally Threatened and many research efforts are under way to measure Red Knot numbers and to identify habitats for protection. Recently, stewards from Seabrook Island and Kiawah assisted as biologists from SCDNR captured some of the knots roosting at Captain Sams Inlet. Most of the birds were banded with the usual lime green tags. A few were also fitted with satellite transmitters that will provide a much more complete picture of Red Knot migration than tracking devices used previously. These transmitters will also last longer than previous devices.

Another recent Red Knot research project was the first Coastal Coordinated Red Knot Count done in conjunction with Georgia DNR. A biologist flew in a helicopter to survey the Georgia islands and South Carolina up to Isle of Palms for flocks of Red Knots. At the same time, other biologists and stewards, like some from Seabrook Island, counted from the ground. Because Red Knots can easily travel from Seabrook Island to places like Harbor or Hunting Island in under an hour, they can also be double counted unless one can coordinate the count to get a snapshot of all the birds in essentially the same moment. The count will be repeated in May.

Please remember: When you walk along our shore and see Red Knots feeding in the surf, please “Share the Beach and Walk Around”.

Exciting news! U5 and his mate have again nested within the Yellow Nesting Signs! As you may remember from a series of Tidelines articles, U5 and mate are long-time Captain Sams Inlet residents who successfully raised two chicks in the Nesting Area last year. A few weeks ago, Janet Thibault, SCDNR Coastal Wildlife biologist, posted the area and found two eggs in the oystercatcher nest. Unfortunately, we saw gulls harass the oystercatchers and steal an egg! Afterwards, Janet confirmed that they only have one egg left to incubate. Disappointing news like this reminds us that North Beach can be a harsh environment. High winds and unusually high tides both erode the shoreline and bury nests in sand. Predators like crows and gulls steal eggs and chicks. The signs give the nesting American Oystercatchers, Wilson’s Plovers and Least Terns some protection from humans but please stay well back from the signs to give the birds the space they need to raise their chicks. If they nest like last year, some birds might have a nest right among the signs!

-Submitted by Mark Andrews, Co-chair SIB Shorebird Stewards.

(Image credit: Mark Andrews. All photos taken at a safe distance well-outside the signs with a long lens and then cropped significantly)

April showers brought May birding activities. Join us for opportunities to get out and enjoy nature before the summer heat sets in. 

May Movie

“Hummingbirds”
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Zoom & TBD in-person

David Attenborough takes us into the remarkable lives of hummingbirds via stunning slow motion photography. Everything about these tiny birds is superb and extreme. They have the highest metabolism, fastest heart beat and most rapid wing beat in the avian world. They evolved to feed on flowering plants but are now a crucial part of wider ecosystems. How do they mate, raise their young, and live?

Register Here

Global Big Day – Learning Together

When: Saturday, May 14, 2022, 8:00 am – 5:30 pm 
Location:  
    8:00 am – 10:30 am Camp St. Christopher
  11:00 am – 12:00 pm BobCat Trail/Six Ladies Trail
    1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Jenkins Point
    3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Equestrian Center
    4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Palmetto Lake
Max:  12 for each location
Cost: None for members; $5 donation for guests

On May 14, Cornell Lab and eBird will sponsor Global Big Day. Will you join more than 30,000 others and become a part of Global Big Day? You don’t have to commit to birding for 24 hours—an hour or even 10 minutes of watching birds makes you part of the team. Visit your favorite spot or search out someplace new; enjoy a solo walk or get some friends to join in the Global Big Day fun. As part of this day, Seabrook Island Birders will conduct Learning Together activities at various locations plus offer you an opportunity to request someone to bird with you at your favorite location.  You can select which locations you wish to bird.

The morning will start at 8:00 am with a Learning Together at Camp St. Christopher. Explore the lakes, lagoons, paths and slough at St. Christopher. This event will have 1 – 2 miles of walking over uneven terrain. Spring should be in full swing, so we should see all the usual suspects, but will also hopefully get looks at some of our more elusive resident breeding songbirds…Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Northern Parula, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher and Painted Bunting. We may be lucky to see a few migrant warblers (Louisiana Waterthrush, Prothonotary Warbler, Common Yellowthroat), Scarlet Tanagers and Blue Grosbeaks. For this portion of the day, we ask people to make a voluntary contribution to Camp St. Christopher.

At 11:00 am we will continue our day at BobCat Trail with an extension to Six Ladies Trail. Along this trail we should see our local favorite Painted Bunting who likes to hang out at the end of BobCat Trail.  Great Crested Flycatchers, Eastern Towhee and Gulls and Egrets should also be seen. We are still hoping to see some migratory warblers.  

At 1:30 pm we will traverse (on bike or car) down Jenkins Point to hopefully see more Egrets, Herons and Anhingas. Low tide is 1:16 pm so hopefully we’ll have some shorebirds in the mud flats. Since this activity can be done primarily by car, it is a good opportunity for people with mobility issues.

At 3:00 pm we will visit the Equestrian Center where we can expect to see European Starlings, Eastern Bluebirds and likely a few of our resident hawks. We have scheduled only a brief time here as we likely won’t move far beyond the parking areas next to the pastures.

At 4:00 pm we will conclude our day with a walk around Palmetto Lake. This is less than one mile of flat, paved walk around the lake. Historically, in May at this location, we see Great Crested Flycatchers, Orchard Orioles and Mississippi Kites in addition to the “normal” Great Egrets, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadees, etc.

As always, bring binocular/camera, hat, sunscreen, snacks and water.

Please register no later than Thursday, May 12, 2022.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Friday, May 13. 

If you have additional questions about the program, please contact us by sending an email to: SeabrookIslandBirders@gmail.com.

Register Here  

Backyard Birding at the Haulover Rookery

When: Monday, May 16, 2022  6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Location:  2445 The Haulover
Max:  20
Cost: Free for members; $5 donation for guests 

We are heading back to the Rookery to see the babies this time. Come join us in Annalee Regenburg’s backyard. Her house backs up to the Great Egret Rookery. The females sit on their nests all day and the males come into the nests in the evenings. We visited in April to see this wonder and now we have babies to watch. We plan on observing this wonderful, sometimes noisy event. We are sure we will see some Snowy Egrets and Green Herons, plus some night herons and Wood Storks, all tucked in there too. As always, be sure to bring your water, binoculars, hats and sunscreen.

Register no later than Friday, May 13. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Sunday, May 15.

Register Here

Learning Together – Bike and Bird to Mingo Point, Kiawah

When: Wednesday, May 18, 2022  8:00 am – 11:00 am 
Location: Meet at The Lakehouse parking lot
Max: 12
Cost: None for members; $5 donation for guests

Meet at 8:00 am at The Lakehouse to bike from Seabrook Island’s Lake House through Freshfields to Mingo Point on Kiawah. Those not wishing to bike can choose to meet the bikers about an hour later at Mingo Point. The path is paved and borders wooded areas, marsh and fields. Along the way, we pass the Equestrian Center where we can expect to see European Starlings, Eastern Bluebirds and possibly Cattle Egrets. Further along, we will see and hear various songbirds. Of course, as we bike through Freshfields, we will see the resident Black Vultures and Boattail Grackles. Beyond Freshfields, we may see Roseate Spoonbills and other wading and shorebirds.

At Mingo Point, we’ll meet at the Kiawah parking lot to bird by the Kayak Ramp. There are many bird feeders placed to see feeder birds and we are also at the ramp right on the Kiawah River to enjoy shorebirds too. There are plenty of places to sit and bird or we can go for a stroll in the area for even more birds. Painted Buntings, House Finch and Carolina Chickadees are almost a sure thing!!  Sometimes the Naturalist, that mans the Hut, is free to help us search. 

Be sure to bring binoculars, camera, hats, sunscreen, bug repellant, snacks and water.  

Please register no later than Monday, May 16, 2022. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the event. 

If you have additional questions about the program, please contact us by sending an email to: SeabrookIslandBirders@seabrookislandblog

Register Here

Learning Together – Crooked Oaks Golf Course

When: Monday, May 23, 2022  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; $5 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 spring, we can also expect to see 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. We ask that all participants wear a mask when unable to social distance if they are not vaccinated.

Please register no later than May 21. 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 – Caw Caw County Park

When: May 26, 2022  9:00 am – 12:00 pm 
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, $5 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 late spring migrants and discover the resident nesting birds. The park comprises 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 bird species we may find during this time of the year include Painted Bunting, Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Prothonotary Warbler, Yellow Throated Warbler, Yellow Billed Cuckoo, Prairie Warbler, Pine Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Northern Paula, Hooded Warbler, Black-Throated Blue Warbler, Yellow Throated Vireo, White-Eyed Vireo, Summer Tanager, Mississippi Kite, Swallow-Tailed Kite, American Bittern, Least Bittern, Osprey, Bald Eagle, and the wide variety of wading birds present in the park year round.  

Appropriate footwear is recommended, as a likely walking distance of two to three 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, camera, and a pack or shoulder bag for your needs.    

Please register by May 23, 2022. You will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the event.  

Register Here

-Submitted by SIB

(Image credit: SIB)

Let’s hope April showers time themselves around our many birding activities. April will also bring the return, after a long absence, of our popular Backyard Birding events. 

Backyard Birding- The Haul Over

Thursday, April 7, 2022, 6:00 pm -7:30 pm, The Haul Over
Location: 2445 The Haul Over
Max: 20
Cost: None for 2021 members; $5 donation for guests

We are going back! Our visit last May to Annalee Regenburg’s backyard was a witness of a bumper crop of Egret and Heron nests. We lost count at 100 nests. Annalee’s house backs up to the Great White Egret Rookery. The females sit on their nests all day and the males come into the nests in the evenings. We plan on observing this wonderful, sometimes noisy event. We will most likely see some snowy egrets and green herons, plus some night herons and Wood Storks too. One year, we even saw Cattle Egrets. The first nest was March 1. Walk around back when you arrive.

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

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

Register here

Learning Together on Ocean Winds Golf Course

When: Monday, April 11, 2022 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; $5 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 nine 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 spring, we can also expect to see 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 April 9. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on 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  

April Movie, “Penguin Bloom”

When: Tuesday, April 12, 2022 from 4:00 pm – 5:45 pm
Location: Zoom & TBD in-person

Watch the trailer here.

As a mom copes with the aftermath of a harrowing accident, she finds inspiration from an injured magpie taken in by her family. The movie is based on a true story.

Register here

Learning Together at Kiawah River Development

When: Saturday, April 16, 2022 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Meet at the “bridge” entering the property
Cost: None for members; $5 donation for guests

We expect to see a large variety of birds including Double-crested Cormorants, Egrets, Herons, Osprey and other birds of prey. We hope to see the Little Blue Heron rookery in full habitation. If we are lucky, we will see an eagle and osprey duel over a fish. 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 Thursday, April 14, 2022. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Friday, April 15.

Register here  

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

When: Sunday, April 24, 2022 with morning only (8:00 am – 11:00 am) and all day (8:00 am – 2:00 pm) options
Leave Seabrook Island Real Estate to carpool at 6:30 am (please be there before 6:30 am)
Meet trip leaders Cathy & Carl Miller at the truck stop in Jacksonboro (intersection of US Hwy 17 & SC 64) and at 7:15 am to caravan to site
Note: Cars with low ground clearance are not recommended for the drive into McAlhany
Max: 12
Cost: Free for members; $5 donation for guests

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 three vireo species – Blue-headed, Red-eyed and White-eyed. A few sparrow species may still be present and we could also see several warbler species such as Black-throated Green and Black-throated Blue warblers, Northern Parula, Common Yellow-throat, Yellow-throated, Prothonotary and Hooded warblers. We will eat an early lunch around 11:00 am in the picnic area. Then, 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, Yellow, Prairie and Pine warblers, Eastern Bluebirds, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo and Painted Buntings, as well as Yellow-throated vireo and possibly Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Many of these species can 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 however there are no facilities available to us on the property as the cabin will be locked.

Please register no later than Friday, April 22, 2022. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the event.

Register here

Beyond Our Backyard – Edisto Nature Trail

When: Saturday, April 30, 2022 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: 17038 Ace Basin Pkwy
Carpool: Meet at SI Real Estate Office to car pool at 7:00 am, the drive is approximately 50 minutes to the nature trail’s parking lot
Cost: Free for SIB member; $5 guest fee

Come join us for spring migration, Beyond Our Backyard, at the Edisto Nature Trail. This park, within the ACE Basin on Highway 17, is both a migrant hot spot and a known nesting area for a number of sought after bird species. The park, adjacent to the Edisto River, has a variety of habitats along its one and a half mile looped trail. As you walk the park in search of its birdlife, you will move through a pine and maritime forest habit into, adjacent the Edisto River, a cypress-tupelo swamp. In prior years, because of this varied habit, we have encountered a vast array of wildlife and plant life inside the park boundaries.

Some of the bird species we will hope to see, and have encountered in prior years, include such Warbler species as Prothonotary, Worm-Eating, Black and White, Swainson’s, Kentucky, Hooded, Black Throated Blue, Yellow-Throated, and Northern Parula. Other possible bird species include, but are not limited to, Veery, Scarlet Tanager, Blackburnian Warbler, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Blackpoll Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Blue-Winged Warbler, Warbling Vireos, and a variety of raptors.

This nature trail has a number of boardwalk crossovers to assist in traversing potentially wet areas. Appropriate footwear is recommended, even during dry spells, so that all participants are able to maximize the enjoyment of their experience. Participants should also consider these other items to maximize the 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, camera, and a pack or shoulder bag for your needs.

Please register prior to April 27, 2022. You will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the event.

Register here

-Submitted by SIB

(Image credit: SIB)