Saturday October 10, 2026 7:30am – 7:00 pm Sunrise: 7:19am Sunset: 6:52pm High Tide: 8:38am
October Big Day on Seabrook Island
Location: Various locations around Seabrook Island
Max: 10 at any location Cost: No cost to members, $10 to non-members
Leader: Judy Morr
Join us in participating in eBird’s October Big Day. The eBird site describes the event with “Wherever you are on 10 October, take a few minutes to join the world of birding on October Big Day. Participate from anywhere—even home! By taking part in October Big Day you’re also celebrating Global Bird Weekend and World Migratory Bird Day. Be a part of the global team and help set a new record for October birding.” I like World Migratory’s theme for this year: ” Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!” highlighting the important role of community science (also referred to as citizen science) for the conservation of migratory birds.”
On Seabrook Island, the event will involve walks at various locations throughout the day. The schedule below allows for individuals to sign up for a portion of the day if the whole day is not of interest. We request you register for all sections you will be attending so we know if we should wait for you at any individual location. You can participate in the “Bird my Backyard” to record your observations even if you are not on Seabrook Island.
We have included a “virtual” activity again this year where people can bird in the comfort of their own homes and share their findings with the group.
– Bird my backyard – Bird your own property for as long as you want, as many times as you want through-out the day. Keep a list (in eBird or in a form we will provide) and share your findings with SIB. “Your own property” can be a golf course, a camp ground or an interstate highway….wherever you happen to see birds, share your observations.
– Boat Ramp – (Sunrise 7:19am) – 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
The group will start the day by hearing the dawn chorus over the marsh. Clapper Rails, egrets can be expected to be seen or heard while on land, various song birds such as Eastern Bluebirds, Tufted Titmouse and Carolina Wrens should be seen. A walk to the lagoon at the fire station or the Marsh Tower may be taken to increase our species count.
– Palmetto Lake – 9:00 – 11:00 AM
Join us to explore the birds around the Lake House and the walks of Palmetto Lake. This is less than one mile of flat, paved walk around the lake. White Ibis, Little Blue Herons, Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets often seen around the lake. Since it’s fall migration, warblers may be seen as well. Meet at the Equestrian end of Lake House parking lot.
– North Beach – (High Tide 8:38 am) – 01:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The group will walk the 2 miles to Captain Sam’s Inlet. (Tides permitting). Those unable to walk the entire distance may turn around at any time. The group will work together to identify those hard to distinguish plovers and sandpipers. The walk is scheduled around high tide so the birds will be clustered closer for easier viewing. Shoes that can get wet are recommended. Meet at the Owners Beach Access Parking Lot at Boardwalk 1. Note: This portion may be canceled/modified if the scraping of North Beach has begun. Likely modifications are doing Marsh to Breaker Trail or the Community Gardens and Maintenance Area. A question has been added to express interest in these alternatives.
– Jenkin’s Point – 3:30 – 5:00 PM
We will be exploring the birds seen along Jenkins Point lagoons and streets, including ducks, wading birds and shorebirds. We will go from location to location via car or bike. Since this event can be primarily by car, it is appropriate for members with mobility issues. Meet at Jenkins Point Ct, the street after the first pond on the left.
– Equestrian Center – 6:00 – 7:00 PM (Sunset 6:52 pm)
Join us for Happy Hour at the Equestrian Center. Bring your drink / snacks of choice while we recap our day while observing the resident European Starlings, Eastern Bluebirds plus many other species. Our plan is to bird from the comfort of our chairs with occasional “excursions” to a fence or tree to see a particular bird.
For all events, bring sun block, bug spray, a hat, water, snacks and binoculars.
If you are not yet a 2026 SIB member, you may become a member for only $15 by following the instructions on our website: Become a Member. You may bring the form and your dues to the event. Or you may pay the Guest Fee of $10 for any or all sessions.
Please register to let us know which portions you plan to attend no later than Thursday, October 8, 2026. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Friday, October 9, 2026.
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