Latest posts
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Avian Influenza and Bird Feeders
Avian Influenza, or bird flu as it’s commonly called, has been a concern since 2022. With recent outbreaks in poultry farms and dairy cows, it’s back in the news and raising questions. How does it spread? Should we take down our bird feeders to prevent transmission of the virus? Is it dangerous to humans? Cornell
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Update: SIB made 2024 a “Big Year”!
At the end of 2022, we challenged our members to make 2023 a “Big Year”. A copy of that original post is below. The year was bigger than we anticipated. It was so much fun, we did it again for 2024. We are continuing the tradition for 2025….but first the results for 2024. If you have
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Birds on Seabrook Island Year-round: Birds we love to hate
At the beginning of each season, we’ve briefly discussed birds arriving for that season. Many of our favorite birds are here all year. In fact, there are so many, let’s focus today on those we often complain about…or love to hate. The link in each description is a link to a “Bird of the Week”
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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
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New Experiences at Ocean Winds
Spring has sprung on Seabrook Island and at the Rookery on the Ocean Winds golf course. Every Spring, the Rookery, which is located on hole four at this course comes alive with nesting activity. We scheduled the Seabrook Island Birders Golf Course Learning Together outing, for the March and April months, on Ocean Winds so
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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,
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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
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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
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Trivia: What is a collective of birds called?
Birders have many words not often found in common English conversations. A trick trivia question could be “What is a collective of birds called?” It’s a trick question because the answer varies by species. Even one species could have multiple “correct” answers….It could be “A cauldron of Crows” or “A murder of Crows.” But first
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Christmas Bird Count – January 2025
If you noticed birders out and about around the island with their binoculars and cameras on Friday, January 3rd, you most likely witnessed some of our very own Seabrook Island Birders in action for our Sea Island Christmas Bird Count (CBC). The CBC is a census of birds administered by the National Audubon Society, performed