You’ve read numerous “SIB Travel” blogs about birding trips taken by members. SIB members often hear about bird walks, festivals or tours that may interest others but not an official SIB activity. If you hear of something, let us know by sending the information to SeabrookIslandBirders@gmail.com. You can share, even if you don’t plan to attend. When possible, we’ll create a blog to share the information.
There are regularly scheduled walks conducted by Charleston County Parks and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Members have enjoyed these in the past but are not always in attendance.
Charleston County Parks:
Early Morning Birdwalks at Caw Caw
Each Wednesday and Saturday morning at 8:30 – 10:30, these guided walks trek through many distinct habitats will allow attendees to view and discuss a variety of birds, butterflies, and other organisms.
The Early Morning Birdwalk program at Caw Caw Interpretive Center currently requires preregistration. On-site registration will not be available. Gold Pass holders are free but must preregister to reserve a spot. $10 per person charge for those without Gold Pass
Lighthouse Inlet Bird Walk
This walk focuses on the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife. This site boasts one of the largest bird lists in South Carolina. At this time of year, we hope to see Painted Buntings and Wilson’s Plovers, plus much more.
What to expect: This program is open to birders of all levels, including beginners. No accessible parking available. No restrooms available. The park includes paved surface that leads to natural, unimproved surface out to a sandy beach. The program route is out and back and is approximately one mile long total. The program route is flat leading to moderate elevation when crossing sand dunes and no benches are available along the trail. The program speed is moderately slow and requires periods of standing and gazing upwards.
There is a $9 charge for this event which is usually conducted the second Friday each month.
Early Birding
If the early bird gets the worm, the early birdwatchers get both! We can leave the worms for the avian life and enjoy finding birds at dawn. A birding professional will help you find the birds and understand their strategies for success in the natural world.
What to expect: This program is open to birders of all levels, including beginners. Accessible parking, restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables are available near the parking area where the program begins and ends. The park includes paved and boardwalk trails, as well as some natural, unimproved trails that are mostly flat. The program route is out to an overlook and back and approximately a mile and a half long total. Benches are available midway along the trail route. The program speed is moderately slow and requires periods of standing and gazing upwards.
Watch the Charleston County Parks and Recreation web site for scheduled walks. This one has a $9 charge and is scheduled for August 17 for 6:30 – 8:30am at Stono River County Park.
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources:
Botany Bay Bird Watching Trailer Tour
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has an event calendar for Botany Bay. Their description and link to calendar is here. You can also sign-up for newsletters that provide information on upcoming events. Monthly they have a Bird Watching Trailer Tour. Information for recent event:
Join SCDNR & ornithologist Craig Watson for a bird watching trailer tour throughout Botany Bay!
Enjoy the diverse bird population with SCDNR & renowned ornithologist Craig Watson for a bird watching trailer tour throughout the Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Please note that this is a very remote area as it is a WMA and there are no facilities such as restrooms.
Details for the event:
• Trailer tour: The bird watching tour will take place on a trailer. If you cannot attend the entire length of the program, you can follow behind in your car. Due to limited space, all participants must RSVP.
• What to bring: Dress is casual. Check the weather report and dress appropriately as you will be outside. Other items to consider bringing include binoculars, hat, sunglasses, sunblock, bug spray and reusable water bottle.
• Costs: The program is free of charge.
• Weather: Tours are held rain or shine unless hazardous weather occurs. An email will be sent out day of if event needs to be canceled.
• Parking: Once you enter into the gates of Botany Bay, please check your vehicle in at the front kiosk. Drive 1 mile up at the road and meet at the “Check Station” (look for SCDNR truck & trailer).
*This will be a monthly occurring event.*
Seabrook Island Birders does not sponsor or take responsibility for these or
any trips other than those as official activities of SIB. This is provided for your consideration.
SIB 