In December, I started seeing reports of birds I needed for either my year list or my life list. They all seemed to be in Mount Pleasant or Sullivan’s Island. I texted friends and they quickly responded with a willingness to escape the hustle of Christmas and search for birds.
Western Kingbird: This bird is supposed to be west of the Mississippi during breeding season then in Mexico during the off season. At least 3 of these birds have been reported at Fort Moultrie. This bird nicely posed for us with good lighting when we first saw him. A second visit it was in a different tree but had a friend.
Clay-colored Sparrow: This bird has also been reported at Fort Moultrie. As we walked towards the beach, we saw the bird flittering in the grasses along the pass. Comparing it to all the traits mentioned in Sibley and the pictures we saw, we knew we had the bird but unfortunately, we were unable to get a picture. We returned at the end of December and didn’t see the bird but luckily Elizabeth Anderegg was able to share a picture she took.
White Winged Dove: This bird was regularly hanging around Elizabeth Anderegg’s home on Sullivan Island. She told me the places it likes to hang out and even offered for me to sit on the bench on her porch while I waited. I visited 2 different times but unfortunately it seems to have returned its normal Florida territory.
Purple Sandpiper: This bird isn’t considered rare but I had never seen it. It had started to be reported at Fort Moultrie in mid-December. We went looking for it in mid-December. We went back on December 28 and with the help of other birders, found it sitting on Buoy #2 with the Ruddy Turnstones just as it was supposed to be. Apparently there were as many as 6 of them but we were happy to see the one playing the “which one is different from the other” game. Elizabeth was able to get a picture closer to her, scavenging in the rocks with the Ruddy Turnstones.
Bullock Oriole: This beautiful bird’s normal range is out west. For the last few years, it has wintered at a home in Mt. Pleasant. The owner allows people to visit her yard to see it. Craig Watson was able to get several good pictures. I visited the yard twice with no luck….I may have to schedule another trip to Mt. Pleasant.
Unlike some birders, I don’t drive hundreds of miles to see a rarity. It was fun, however, to escape the hustle of the holidays and search for some birds nearby. The fact that I didn’t see them all means I’ll have an excuse for future excursions.
Submitted by: Judy Morr
Photos by: Jennifer Jerome, Elizabeth Anderegg and Craig Watson