October 3, 2022

Palm Warbler – Setophaga palmarum
Length: 5.5″; Wingspan 8″; Weight: 0.36 oz.

The Palm Warbler is one of the wood warblers. It is fairly common on Seabrook in the winter months and many are being seen right now on Seabrook. The most obvious field mark is its tail-wagging habit. Although it is a rather dull olive on its back, as it wags, it shows its brighter yellow underparts. You also might pick up the soft striping on its breast and sides. The male sports a rusty-colored cap in its breeding plumage although we would be less likely to see that here because it does not breed here.

This warbler will eat some seeds and fruits in the winter months but it prefers insects.

The Palm Warbler has a weak trill like that of the Chipping Sparrow, but slower. It is primarily on one note but increases slightly in intensity as it progresses.

Although its name would seem to indicate that this bird is found mostly in palm trees, in fact it can be seen in a variety of habitats: open woodlands, low in thickets of shrubs, on the ground, and in open fields.

If you would like to learn more about this bird visit:

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology – All About Birders: Palm Warbler

Pine Warbler Range Map – Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Article submitted by: Marcia Hider 2017 and republished by SIB 2022.
Photographs provided by: Ed Konrad & Glen Bartley

This blog post is part of a series SIB will publish on a regular basis to feature birds seen in the area, both migratory and permanent residents. When possible we will use photographs taken by our members. Please let us know if you have any special requests of birds you would like to learn more about.

Saturday October 08, 2022 7:30am – 7:00 pm
October Big Day on Seabrook Island
Location: Various locations around Seabrook Island
Max: 10 Cost: No cost to members, $5 to non-members

Register Now

Join us in participating in eBird’s October Big Day. The eBird site describes the event with “Wherever you are on 8 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.”

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 added a “virtual” activity this year when 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.

– Maintenance Area – 7:30 – 9:30 AM
Walk around the water treatment area to possibly see egrets, Wood Storks, and even fall migrating warblers. If time permits, we will also venture into the club boat / camper storage area in search of early arriving sparrows. This activity is limited to 10 people and requires signature of a Release form to the water treatment facility.

– Camp St. Christopher – 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Explore the lakes, lagoons, paths and slough at St. Christopher. This event will have 1 – 2 miles of walking over uneven terrain. Due to it’s location on the end of Seabrook Island, a walk can see shorebirds on the beach, songbirds in the woods and waders in the marshes along Bohicket Creek. We ask participants for a voluntary donation to Camp St. Christopher.

– Jenkin’s Point – 2:00 – 3:30 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.

– Palmetto Lake – 4:00 – 5:30 PM
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. Recently, White Ibis, Cattle Egret, Little Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets have come in to roost in late afternoon so we hope they continue to provide a show. Meet at the Equestrian end of Lake House parking lot.

– Equestrian Center – 6:00 – 7:00 PM (Sunset 6:55 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 SIB member, you must first become a member for $10 by following the instructions on our website: https://seabrookislandbirders.org/contact/join-sib/, or you may join each session for a Guest Fee of $5.

Once you are a member, please register to let us know which portions you plan to attend no later than Thursday, October 6, 2022. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Friday, October 7, 2022.