Latest posts
The Confusing American Goldfinch
Last year, one of my friends said to me, “I can’t wait for the goldfinches to come back, they’re my favorite bird!” “What do you mean?” I asked. “I see them all summer, then one day they’re gone! After a few months they suddenly show up again!” she said. This confused me for a minute,…
Happy Valentine’s Day, Lovebirds!
Lovebirds. We’ve heard, and used, this term many times in our lives. But who are the real Lovebirds, where do they come from, and are they really more affectionate than other birds? Valentine’s Day prompted a little research on the subject and turned up an interesting article by Kenn Kaufman (birder extraordinaire), published by Audubon…
Purple Martin Gourd Raising and Opening Ceremony
It’s February and you might have noticed a new structure at the Seabrook Island Equestrian Center! The new Purple Martin Housing has been installed, and we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our Purple Martin “Scouts”. Purple Martins (PUMAs) are a unique bird with a past that is tied to humans so much so that…
Welcome Spring and our newly arriving birds
The official first day of Spring 2025 is March 20. Meteorologists recognize the first day of spring on March 1 because meteorological seasons are based on monthly temperatures – March, April and May are the three spring months that precede the three warmest months of the year. Even though Spring is probably a different span…
Bird of the Week … Northern Mockingbird
Well, not sure any of you guessed this, but our 3rd President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, had a pet Northern Mockingbird named “Dick.” He actually had several Mockingbirds at various times, but Dick was the only one he mentioned by name in his diary and apparently was his favorite. Jefferson often left the…
Sea Islands Christmas Bird Count Totals 2024-2025
On January 3, 2025 the 14th Sea Island Christmas Bird Count (SICBC) commenced with 66 participants (including 9 backyard bird feeder watchers) located throughout Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, John’s Island, Wadmalaw Island, and Deveaux Bank. The day had clear skies and calm winds with an early morning chill of 31 degrees followed by an afternoon…
Great Backyard Bird Count: SIB recap
Seabrook Island Birders (SIB) had a good weekend participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC). The February 14 through 17 GBBC is a joint effort from Cornell Labs and National Audubon. Their stated goal is: Over these four days we invite people to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many…
SIB – What’s your state bird?
State birds are chosen as symbols to represent the natural heritage and culture of each U.S. state. They are often selected based on their uniqueness, popularity, or significance to the region. Here are a few reasons why states have official birds: 1. State Pride & Identity Each state wants to showcase its natural beauty and…
A Bird’s Eye View: Slow Birding
If you have an Amazon Alexa device, you already know Alexa is good at suggesting items for you to buy on Amazon. Usually it’s something I need and she’s just reminding me it’s time to reorder, but with books she often recommends similar reads to what I’ve previously purchased. When Alexa recently suggested a book…
Ask SIB – Why do so many birds have white bellies?
If you pay close attention, you will see this general color pattern in not just birds, but in a wide array of species, in everything from insects, fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. There must be an evolutionary advantage! Back in 1896, Abbott H. Thayer wrote a paper describing the dark top, light underneath as a…