Latest posts
Ask SIB – Will the wildfires affect bird migration?
Recently a question came up in a discussion about a Solitary Sandpiper. The Merlin bird identification app indicated it was a little early to be seeing it in our area (normally they don’t arrive here until August) but one was spotted in a marsh area on Ocean Winds golf course. Does this mean the bird…
Ask SIB – Where do baby birds go after they fledge?
I was visiting my aunt recently and we got into a conversation about her bluebirds. Her bluebird pair was about to fledge their second brood for the summer. The more we talked, the more questions came up. Where do they go after they leave the nestbox? Do they come back to the nestbox to sleep?…
The Early Bird Gets the Worm
This morning, I woke up extra early. Yesterday, the temperatures in Pennsylvania rose into the 90’s. During the night, the temperatures dropped into the high 60’s; perfect for sleeping with the windows open. That means the early morning “Dawn Chorus” woke me up. At 5:20 AM, though it was still dark outside, the abundant American…
Happy Semiquincentennial!
Today the United States marks its Semiquincentennial—a massive milestone celebrating 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. From historic tall ship flotillas in New York Harbor to record-breaking fireworks on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., our nation honors the ideas, struggles, and symbols that shaped our identity. But while we honor…
Happy Father’s Day!
Father’s Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate and thank all the “dads” in our lives. Whether it’s the dad you grew up with, a close friend who mentors like a dad, or just someone you look up to, this is their day! As nesting season is in full swing we can’t help but think…
Did you know: Being a baby bird is tough
Nest types, feeding baby birds, keeping the nests clean have all been fun topics discussed in recent weeks. But life isn’t all fun for baby (or parent) birds. So unfortunately we end our series on nesting on a topic that isn’t as much fun. Fledgling mortality is high. Mortality is high among baby birds, and…
Preventing Bird Collision with Glass Windows
We have so much natural beauty on Seabrook Island and, naturally, we want large unobstructed windows in our homes so that we are able to enjoy that beauty and our wildlife at all times. Unfortunately, these windows are a constant danger to the birds that we love seeing and have lured to our yards with…
Red Knot Tracking Update 5: 2025 Wrap-Up
Hello Red Knot Trackers, Migration is once again upon us! Red Knots are on the move, and significant numbers have returned to stopover sites along the southeast US coast. We’ll soon share exciting news about our 2026 tracking project, but first, let’s look back at last year’s Red Knot tracking efforts. Here’s a recap of…
Happy Mother’s Day from SIB!
Being a mother is hard work. It comes with a unique set of challenges, but it also comes with great reward. Mother’s Day is a time to honor all mothers and recognize the love, care, and work they put into raising their children. Being a bird mom also has its challenges. They too put in…
Did you know: What is the developmental timeline from egg to fledge?
As we watch the rookery on the golf course and also see those Eastern Bluebirds growing on the bluebird trail, we note these birds “grow up” at different rates. The time spent from egg production to fledgling varies by species. Smaller birds often mature more quickly and may go from newly-hatched chicks to fledgling juveniles…
