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SIB Member Profile: Claudia Porter

Claudia Porter was born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles. After graduating from Occidental College with a degree in French Literature, she began working at Bullock’s, a division of Federated Department Stores. Claudia met Stuart Hotchkiss at Bullock’s and they took their first international trip together to London, with Frommer’s “Europe on $5…
Ask SIB: Where did all the birds go?

Question: Up until recently our feeders have been busy, with birds coming and going all day. Now we see only a few regulars, but not the number we had a couple of weeks ago. What changed? Response: There are many reasons, but since this question was posed in June, let’s concentrate on potential reasons you…
SIB “Bird of the Week” – American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatcher – Haematopus palliatusLength: 17.5″; Wingspan: 32″; Weight: 22.4 oz. The American Oystercatcher is a large, boldly patterned bird we see at our beach and in salt marshes. It doesn’t appear in large groups, but is often seen in solitary pairs. As indicated by it’s name, it feeds on oysters, clams, mussels and uses it…
Welcome Summer and our Summer Birds

Happy Summer! Like us, many birds avoid the summer sun by limiting daytime activity. These birds will forage in the early morning, evening or throughout the night so they can conserve energy and rest during the warmest times of day. You can plan your birding activities to coincide with the birds schedules. SIB’s “Sit, Sip…
SIB Explores: Carolina Bight Birding Center & Wings over Beaufort

If you find yourself in the Beaufort County area this September, you may want to consider a visit to the new Carolina Bight Birding Center and the Wings Over Beaufort Birding Festival (September 23-26, 2025). They have planned 14 tours, some at exclusive locations that are not open to the public, and their Keynote Speaker will…
Happy Father’s Day from SIB!

Today’s a big day for dads everywhere! Whether your plans include hanging out on the beach with family, grilling in the backyard, or doing absolutely nothing, we wish all dads a very happy and relaxing Father’s Day! While bird dads don’t get a day off, they do deserve some recognition. Approximately 90% of bird dads…
SIB Travels: Texas and Oklahoma

Members of Seabrook Island Birders love to travel to find birds. In fact, several members have some very exciting travel plans this summer so stay tuned for those upcoming blogs! As for me, I traveled to Texas and Oklahoma this spring for a wildlife photography workshop. They say that photographers don’t go on vacation, they…
SIB – “Bird of the Week” – Marsh Wren

This little guy can be heard right now in all our marshes on Seabrook Island. They like to hang out in the tall grasses. This bird looks very much like a Carolina wren. (See the picture below to compare) They are an inch smaller than the Carolina Wren. They also have more black patterns on…
2021/07/11 Welcome to American Oystercatcher Chicks DY & DZ

Our American Oystercatcher chicks have flown the Nesting Area! One of the oystercatcher parents was U5, a bird that has frequented the Captain Sams Inlet for many years. Just before they could fly, they were banded to allow us to follow their progress and to contribute to what science knows about American Oystercatcher behavior and…
2021/05/03 North Beach: New Nesting Area Signs and Nests!
Last Friday, coastal bird biologist Janet Thibault of SCDNR posted the yellow nesting area signs on North Beach and confirmed that we have nesting birds. A familiar sight for many of us, American Oystercatcher Red U5 & his mate have nested on North Beach. Janet, who did her graduate work on Oystercatchers, says that U5…









