Latest posts
Ducks at a Distance: A Waterfowl Identification Guide
Winter means ducks come back to South Carolina. They always seem to be rapidly flying away and/or far away. The Fish and Wildlife Service recently published a PDF: “Ducks at a Distance” by Bob Hines of Department of Interiors, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It’s introductory paragraph gives you a good idea of what to…
Did you know: Covert Feathers
A covert feather is one of a set of feathers which cover other feathers. The coverts help to smooth airflow over the wings and tail and protect important flight feathers. You can see them inside the red outline on the photo of a Northern Mockingbird that was banded during our Fall Migration Station. Since most…
Gift Ideas for Birders
Finding the right gift is often a challenge, but if your gift list includes a birder, we can help! Did you know birdwatching is the fastest growing hobby in the United States? According to USDA.gov, “birding ranks as the fastest-growing single outdoor activity, even surpassing gardening, with 70.4 million people who report some level of involvement…
SIB “Bird of the Week” – American Goldfinch
American Goldfinch – Spinus tristisLength: 5″; Wingspan: 9″; Weight: 0.46 oz. This small finch is commonly found in flocks on Seabrook Island during the winter months (November – March) on backyard feeders, along the golf courses or anywhere there are weed seeds. It has a sharply pointed bill, a small head, long wings and a…
What gift can you recommend for my 6 year-old birder?
Last week we provided some gift ideas for the birder on your list. These were geared to adult birders. A recent Facebook post asked for gift ideas for a 6 year-old that was very into birds. Responses (not SIB members) were interesting. A field guide!While a 6 year-old may not be able to read, the…
What Colors Should a Birder Wear?
Imagine you are walking along the marsh in the late fall. The Great Egrets, Wood Storks and Roseate Spoonbills are hunting for fish in the salty low tide. You are dressed in a green shirt, tan pants and a neutral colored hat to shield your face from the birds. Discreetly, moving slowly and carefully, you…
SIB “Bird of the Week” – Tufted Titmouses (OR Titmice?)
Have you ever wondered the plural of Tufted Titmouse? Often in the field, I say “Tufted Titmouses” and then quickly change to “Tufted Titmice.” I finally decided to research the answer! The origin of the word “mouse” comes from the Old English word “mase,” meaning “small bird” and has no connection to rodents. Many purists…
SIB Reports: 74 year-old albatross just laid egg
CNN and BBC recently reported The world’s oldest known wild bird has sparked “special joy” among scientists after she laid an egg – her first in four years – at the age of 74. Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, was spotted with the egg and a new partner last week at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge,…
What is a Bird Irruption?
It sounds like a volcano spewing out birds! Ah, but no. Each winter, birders and nature enthusiasts eagerly await the year’s “Bird Irruption” report. This is a prediction, based on certain ecological conditions, where birds will move en masse beyond their typical wintering range. Irruptions occur when food sources in the species’ native habitat –…
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from Seabrook Island Birders! Many birders play a New Year’s game called “Bird of the Year.” The first bird you see on January 1st becomes your theme bird for that year—one to bless your perspective, your imagination, your spirit. So look out your window and maybe that first bird will give you…
