2024 Sullivan's Island Bird Banding Station - Inaugural Fundraiser

The migratory warblers that fly thousands of miles during migration are looking for places like the maritime forest on Sullivan’s Island as a brief resting place. Biologist Sarah Harper is the director and permit holder for the Sullivan’s Island Bird Banding Station (SIBBS), conducting seasonal migratory bird research and environmental outreach. The busy Fall migration season begins on September 1 and will come to a close on Nov. 20 and Harper has been in the field with her team of dedicated volunteers for early morning bird banding and record keeping. 

Yellow-billed Cuckoo on Oct. 15

The first ever Fundraiser for SIBBS well be held at the Sullivan’s Island Club on Saturday, November 2 from 1 – 4 PM. Two bands, food and drink, and of course social time with birding enthusiasts all within an easy walk to the bird banding area at Station 16.

To view the feature article in the Post and Courier click on Tideline.

To view past blog entries from Tideline click on Beidler BioBlitz -  October Conservation Calendar -  October Saltwater Forecast -  Birds of a Feather Toast-  Photography Tips - Riton Optics - Lighthouse Inlet Preserve -  Coosawhatchie WMA -  Holy City Tarpon Tourney - Int'l Fly Fishing Film Festival - Carolina Kingfish Classic -  Fishing For Mountain Trout -  Hooked On Miracles -  HMY Lowcountry Cup - Turkeys For Tomorrow-  Carolina Ladies Billfish Classic - Paddling For Pups Photos - 2024 Atlantic Cup - Silvopasture Forestry- Beidler Forest 50th Anniversary - Charleston Race Week Photos - Southeast Shorebird Festival - ACE Basin Day Photos - Santee Big Cat Brawl - Carolina Marsh Tacky Association - SEWE Photos - Five Birding Hotspots 

Director Sarah Harper and Volunteer Mary English

2024 Birding Journal Observations - September / October

Red-tailed Hawk in Birdbath on Oct. 2

The months of September and October were both warmer and drier than average, with the exception of Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene. Migratory bird patterns did not miss a beat though with Amercian redstarts one of the earliest arrivals in September. Common yellowthroat, catbird and ruby-crowned kinglet were in town by early  October and finally by late October the yellow-rumped warblers were plentiful. The Kiawah Island bird banding station is set to have processed a record amount of migratory birds in 2024.

Of course Hawk migration was going strong starting in September and the Hawk Watch program at Botany Bay on Edisto will record sighting for the months of September, October and November. Waterfowl migration may be a little slow, with he harvest moon in October thought by many to be the green light for ducks, and I have heard reports of wood ducks, pintails and ringnecks arriving in S.C.

To view the most recent Birding Journal Observations click on July / August 2024

To view past Birding Journal Observations from September / October click on 2023 -  2022- 2021 - 2018- 2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009