The Red Knots are here! They are on our North Beach shore in growing numbers, as they refuel and rest as a part of their incredible migration from Patagonia to breeding grounds in the Arctic. By mid-April 1000s of Red Knots will be on our beach, as they begin to turn their beautiful reddish breeding color.
If you’re interested in becoming better informed on the Red Knot, SIB has scheduled a two-hour training session on Tuesday, March 28, 10:00am to Noon, at the Oystercatcher Property Owners’ building. This program is free for all who attend.
To enroll in this interesting, informative, and important program, please REGISTER NOW.
Nolan Schillerstrom, Audubon South Carolina’s Coastal Program Coordinator, will conduct this special training. We’ll learn all about the Red Knot, a Federally Threatened species that has declined by 85% in the last 15 years, and their incredible 18,000-mile-long migration. The importance of our Seabrook island habitat will be covered, as Red Knots come to SC beaches in the spring to feed on coquina clams and Horseshoe Crab eggs as the crabs come onshore to spawn.
Red Knots travel in large flocks and are easily disturbed by people and dogs, adding stress to an already perilous journey. They can be easily flushed when feeding and roosting, causing them to expend energy in flight and not building enough fat reserves for their migration. Nolan will discuss how we as stewards can better educate other Seabrookers on the beach to be respectful and responsible with our Red Knot guests.
We’ll also highlight Seabrook’s other protected species, the endangered Piping Plover that winters here, and the threatened Wilson’s Plover and Least Tern that soon nest on North Beach.
Note there is a birding walk on North Beach scheduled on Wednesday, March 29 from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm if you would like to view the Red Knots (hopefully!) the morning after the training. Please also sign up for the walk now! (Please note you can attend one or the other or both!)
If you have additional questions about the program, please contact us by sending an email to: SeabrookIslandBirders@gmail.com
Please enjoy these beautiful photos of our precious Red Knot visitors taken by Ed Konrad on North Beach, Seabrook Island, SC.
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