Thursday October 22, 2026 10:00am – 2:30pm (plus roundtrip from Seabrook Island)
Leave Seabrook Real Estate: 8:30 am
Botany Bay Hawk Watch: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Botany Bay Birding: 1:00pm – 2:30
Trip Leader: Jen Jerome/Judy Morr
Note: You can do either portion of the day or both.
Location: Meet at Real Estate Parking lot at 8:30 am to carpool to Botany Bay with start there at 10:00am.
If birding portion only, meet at deer check station on Botany Bay at 1:00 to caravan
Max for Hawk Watch: 10 people in 3 vehicles
Max for afternoon birding: 12 in 4 vehicles
Cost: None for members; $10 donation for guests
From September to November, migrating raptors pass through coastal South Carolina along the Atlantic Flyway on their journey south for the winter. Species include Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Turkey Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Harrier, and more. SIB members this day will collect migrating raptor numbers at Botany Bay Plantation HP/WMA in collaboration with the Hawk Migration Association. This data is submitted to Hawk Count to better understand raptor migration! Our watch shift is October 22 from 10am to 1pm. We will watch from an open grassy area near the beach at Botany Bay WMA.
In the afternoon, enjoy the diverse bird population of Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA). We will stop at various locations and walk to see birds not visible from the dirt roads. Low tide is 11:14 so hopefully it will allow a walk on the raised path through the marsh . The WMA also has woods, marshes and fields allowing for 111 species to be seen in October 2025. Please note that this is a very remote area as it is a WMA and the restrooms are available during Hawk Watch. There are no facilities for the afternoon birdiing. There are no restaurants on Botany Bay so bring a lunch to enjoy during Hawk Watch.
Be sure to bring binoculars, camera, hats, sunscreen, bug repellant, snacks and water. A comfortable (possibly reclining) chair is also needed for Hawk Watch. Some people prefer to also bring a blanket to place under their chairs to minimize insect visits.
If you are not yet a 2026 SIB member, you may become a member for only $15 by following the instructions on our website: Become a Member. You may bring the form and your dues to the event. Or you may pay the Guest Fee of $10.
Please register no later than Monday October 20, 2026. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior the event.
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