On Sunday, September 26, a lucky group of SIB members enjoyed a fabulous morning birding at Fort Moultrie. Craig Watson led the group and helped us identify 62 species, only some of which are mentioned below.
Before we left the parking lot, we observed a Red-headed Woodpecker, Chimney Swifts and a first of the season Northern Flicker.
As we walked around the “field” behind Battery Jasper, we saw Bobolinks, Prairie Warblers, Palm Warblers, Common Yellow-throated Warbers, an American Kestrel, and a Merlin. A bright pink Roseatte Spoonbill flew over which is unusual for this location. A Red-tail Hawk sat on the spire of Stella Maris Catholic Church undeterred by the ringing bells.
As we were walking into the Sullivan Island Nature Trail, two Osprey and a Peregrine Falcon flew over. A Swainson’s Thrush was hopping in the brush. Soon we saw a gorgeous Summer Tanager up in a tree. As we continued on the trail, we were able to get good views of American Redstarts, a Black-throated Blue Warbler, and a Worm-eating Warbler.
As we continued along the path, we encountered the Sullivan Island banding station. A Northern Waterthrush had just been netted so the group was able to see it being measured, weighed and banded.
As we left the Nature Trail, our walk was officially over but a few of us were having too much fun to quit. We went back along the tree line behind Battery Jasper. A Red-tail Hawk was perched, then swooped, then perched again, obviously looking for lunch. We also saw a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, a Yellow Warbler and a House Wren.
Red-tailed Hawk – Susan Markham 
Yellow Warbler – Susan Markham 
Worm-eating Warbler – Susan Markam
All who participated agreed this would be a place we want to visit again.
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