Latest posts
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Ask SIB: Aging Bald Eagles
Question: I recently photographed a Bald Eagle on North Beach, and while I know it’s not yet an adult, how can I tell the age of this eagle? Gina Sanders Answer: An adult Bald Eagle is unmistakable! They are big, fly with a flat wing (flying plank is how it is sometimes described), sport huge
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Ask SIB: Where Can we Find LOTS of Shorebirds in March?
Answer: During March and April, both Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island offer great opportunities to see shorebirds. Both islands are private, and people cannot just visit any time they want. Someone from either of those islands needs to create a pass for the visitor. Beachwalker Park is a Charleston County Park with a parking fee,
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“Ask SIB” – What are these Birds?
Can you identify these birds I saw on North Beach two weeks ago? I thought they were a Sandpiper specifies. Thanks Mike Whitfield Mike: You are right, these are a species of sandpiper. If you look closely, you will notice their pale color and straight black bill. As you watched them, they undoubtedly skittered in
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Ask SIB: Flock of birds at the Inlet
Question:I help out the dolphin education program at the Spit. Across the river at Kiawah’s most eastward point of beach I often see a huge flock of birds. They seem to randomly all lift off and fly a short, low course for just a minute or two and then land back where they started. In
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Ask SIB: Why are Eastern Bluebirds Building a Nest in November?
I think our Eastern Bluebirds are confused? They’ve begun building a nest in their box. I cleaned it out when we returned to SC in mid-October and this week we’ve seen them entering a few times and starting a nest. Any explanation? Nancy Brown, Johns Island, SC Answer: Interesting behavior. “Our” EABL don’t migrate. Others
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Ask SIB: Why are so many crows harassing this hawk?
Question: We heard a commotion this morning, lots of crows and a Red-shouldered Hawk. They flew close enough to count and we had 26 American Crows, all harassing one Red-shouldered Hawk! I wondered why so many crows were ganging up on this individual hawk. I know it’s normal, but that many? – Anonymous birder Answer:
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Ask SIB: Osprey Tussle
Dear Ask SIB: I took this picture of two Ospreys this morning, is this a courtship behavior? Osprey tussle – Gina Sanders Answer: Got to love the image. Looking closely, we can discern several clues to your question. The top bird, or aggressor, has a clean white throat and chest indicating it is an adult
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Ask SIB – What’s up with these birds?
Question: What’s up with the birds? For the past several evenings there’s been a big meeting on the dock and today this guy hangs out on our front porch for an hour. Not the least bit afraid of me…lets me get less than 10 feet away to get a pic. Mike Vinson Herons and Egrets
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Ask SIB: Can you identify this feather?
Question: Can you help me identify this feather? – 3 separate recent requests. One important reminder – Feathers are protected. If you find a feather, study it, photograph it, appreciate it, but leave it where you found it. Under federal law it is illegal to take them home. If you plan to identify later, make
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Ask SIB: Size of Hole for Nesting “Box”
Question: A pair of Carolina Wrens made a nest in our pellet stove vent pipe and the grate is only one inch squares. Will the babies be able to get out?