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 birds as they can find and reporting them to us. These observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations.
During those 4 days, SIB members submitted 27 checklists for 113 species. SIB had 3 organized activities attended by 29 individuals. An additional 6 people submitted reports from their “backyards”.
The organized SIB activities started with a windy walk on North Beach. Even though many of the birds were hunkered down for the wind, 24 species were seen. American Oystercatcher U5 and his mate were there. LOTS of Bonapart Gulls and Black Skimmers were seen at the inlet. 40 Red Knots were also seen across the inlet. Earlier in the day, Gina Sanders saw White Pelicans ….one of 4 sightings for the weekend for SIB members.
The planned walks around Seabrook Island on Sunday were basically rained out. A few of us got out for some birding by car done early in the morning. The Club Maintenance Area, the Equestrian Center and Jenkins Point were visited with a total of 37 species. While waiting for a rain squall to pass, our car was pointed towards the water treatment retention pond. Suddenly two Wild Turkeys flew across the fence and almost landed on the car. Of course our cameras weren’t at the ready….not even cell phones. Jenkins Point provided good birding even in the rain. 31 Hooded Mergansers were seen in lagoon as you enter Jenkins Point. 44 Snowy Egret and 3 Roseate Spoonbill were tucked into the trees along Old Wharf Road.
Monday’s birding at Crooked Oaks golf course was another success. It was cool but the birds didn’t seem to mind. The 15 participants split into two groups. Typical of when we do this, the two groups saw different birds. Neither group saw Brown Pelicans or any type of gulls. Shar’s group did see White Pelicans and Snowy Egrets which the other group did not see. Bob’s group saw 42 species but the highlights were probably a Red-shouldered Hawk that flew from branch to branch then finally posed with “something” captured on the ground. Later, an Anhinga entertained the group for a period of time by spearing, killing then swallowing whole an incredibly large fish.
Some of the best birding for the weekend was done by individuals not part of an organized SIB activity. Nancy Brown and Flo Foley had their first ever Baltimore Oriole in their backyard. Joleen Ardaiolo had her first Baltimore Oriole of the season and reported he seemed to select the dried meal worms from mixed feed. Patricia Schaefer also had Baltimore Orioles visit her feeders. Meanwhile, Jennifer Jerome had her winter resident Painted Bunting visit her feeder.
Jackie and Walter Brooks were wandering around Florida so that was their backyard for the weekend. They reported Purple Gallinule and Sandhill Crane which weren’t reported by any other SIB members for the weekend.
Jennifer Jerome went to Bear Island with Carolina Bird Club. They saw 53 species. Jennifer was also thrilled to (finally) see an American Bittern. She also saw Tundra Swan and American Avocet. We hope to see all these and more when SIB visits Bear Island on Saturday.
Susan Markum, Bob Mercer and Judy Morr adventured to Santee Coastal WMA on Saturday. They saw 78 species for the day. After the day, Judy says she thinks she can identify Northern Pintails. The highlight was early in the day when after chasing by sound, a Red Cockaded Woodpecker that finally showed itself…but unfortunately, no picture. Susan was able to get a picture of the first of the season Northern Parula.
Thanks to everyone who shared their weekend with SIB. We have a lot of activities in the next month that will add to a SIB “year list”.
Submitted by: Judy Morr