Annual Audubon International Bird Count Results

(Article Submitted by:  George Haskins, Survey Coordinator & Photos Submitted by: Charley Moore)

The annual survey of bird species on or adjacent to the Seabrook Island golf courses was conducted on April 28, 2016, by a team of 13 persons.  The ground rules call for counting those seen or heard from the golf courses themselves.  A spotting scope in trained hands expands that horizon.  Five teams of two persons each were out from 6:15 to 8:30 AM, two teams were out from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, one person was vigilant all day from her home on the Crooked Oaks course, and one person was on the 14th tee of Ocean Winds toward sunset. Those participating were Nancy Brown, Helen Donohue, David Gardner, George Haskins, Marcia and Bob Hider, Tori Langen, Charley Moore, Judy and Dean Morr, Martha and Joe Stevenot, and Betty Zimmerman.

The group recorded a total of 207 identifiable birds.  The net result after accounting for duplications was 76 species which are listed below.  That number is toward the higher end of our normal sightings, I believe.  One unusual species, the Bobolink, seen aside the 16th fairway of Ocean Winds was unexpected.  All six of the probable woodpeckers were observed.  One bird very common in our community, the Turkey Vulture, was not sighted by anyone.

The birds noted below are listed in the order they appear on the Seabrook Island bird check list.

I appreciated the effort of the birders who participated and the cooperation of the golf staff in providing us carts and full access to the courses within the specified time parameters.  A master copy of the actual checklist will be provided to Greens Superintendent Sean Hartwick, who is the chair of this project supporting the Audubon Certification process.