2023 Bio Blitz with Peter Alden - Caw Caw County Park

Guest author and naturalist Peter Alden
sharing his insight deep in the swamp 

Lots of outdoor opportunities are offered in Ravenel at the Caw Caw County Park. A menagerie of woodland trails serve as a refreshing running destination, though canines are not allowed here. Many choose to move through Caw Caw at a slower pace and observe what nature has to offer in the form of swamps and impoundments. On February 4, master naturalists gathered at Caw Caw for a first ever Bio Blitz conducted by visiting author Peter Alden, where attendees take all day and scour the property to make note of plants, animals, insects, birds and all forms of life.

Raccoon track

Alden hails from Concord, Massachusetts and has penned several of the Audubon Field Guides, including the Southern States edition. It took a few years of conversations between Alden and park manager Kristina Wheeler for this outing to happen, and a rainy morning did nothing to dampen this group’s enthusiasm. In fact, one of the first sighting of the day was a small mud snake, likely due to the soft soil, allowing for this ground-dwelling snake to slither into sight. Every woodpecker knocking on a tree was identified, and Alden would often then launch into a story about a similar sighting from the past that had significance.

Coyote track

“It’s a joy to have Peter Alden here at Caw Caw with these like-minded folks,” said Wheeler. “The Bio Blitz celebrates the natural world, and can bring together folks with different specialties of identification which benefits the entire group.” While some of the woodland trails were almost under water, the boardwalks and impoundments were not affected. A highlight of the day was viewing an active bald eagle nest with two chics calling out for food. The muddy conditions allowed for the compare and contrast of animal tracks like raccoon versus coyote. 

Story published in the March issue of Edisto News

To view Field Trips from 2023 click on Yawkey Wildlife Center - Botany Bay WMA - Pinckney Island NWR - ACE Basin NWR Combahee Unit

To view Field Trips from 2022 click on Palmetto Buff Christmas Bird Count - Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - Bailey Mill Plantation - Niederhoff Seed Orchard - Hunting Island State Park - Botany Bay WMA - Nemours Wildlife Foundation - Cumberland Island - Harbor Island - Silver Bluff/Audubon - Phinizy Swamp - Oldfield Plantation - Dolphin Head Beach - Bear Island WMA - Widgeon Point Preserve - Port Royal Sound Foundation - Parris Island  

2023 SEWE - Garden and Gun / Cocktails and Conservation

Dr. Jennifer Rehange and T. Edward Nickens

A popular diversion on SEWE weekend is going over to the Garden and Gun magazine offices at the Old Cigar Factory on East Bay Street, in order to listen to a guest speaker address conservation issues. Sunday at SEWE '23 welcomed Dr. Jennifer Rehange form the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust to speak about saltwater species and any current events regarding them and her work. Moderator T. Edward Nickens shared that the recent discovery of pharmaceuticals during a study of bonefish would be topic number one.

Sunday at SEWE in '23

"Not only did we find traces of common pharmaceuticals in samples of blood and skin of bonefish, the average was seven different kinds of drugs," said Rehange. "Of course, this is coming from humans and the pills we take and the excrement we produce, which releases lots of pharmaceuticals into our wastewater treatment regime. The good news is that bonefish stocks seem to be doing well right now, and are actually on the rebound, but this information will surely steer us in new ways when it comes to habitat conservation."

The audience of avid anglers was able to ask questions in this very informal setting, and the subject of tarpon coming up to the Carolinas coast more and more from Florida was discussed. It is believed that they may be increasing their range with warming ocean temps, and S.C. fishing guides have been fishing for them with Regulations put in place in 2013 and N.C. fishing guides are getting ramped up for more visits from the Silver King.

Attendee Gift Bag from Duck Head

To view past blog entries from the BTT Lowcountry tarpon tourney click 2013 - 2012 - 2011

To view past blog entries from Garden and Gun Conservation and Cocktails click on 2019 - 2018

2023 SEWE Sunday - Sporting Round Up

Flying Gobbler carving - Exquisite! 

The Sunday weather forecast for warm and sunny started out a bit cloudy and gloomy, but that all cleared up by noon and Charleston enjoyed great SEWE weather to finish out the holiday weekend. Sunday offers a chance to clean up any check marks on your SEWE To-Do list that did not get ticked off yet, or if you just had one day to take in everything then Sunday's lighter afternoon crowds allow for that. One last day to enjoy some chicken bog or crawfish etoufee at food vendors, to look for unique sporting artwork, and to purchase raffle tickets too.

S.C. Ag Chair Hugh Weathers at Cooking Demo

To view past blog entries from SEWE Sunday click on 2022 - 2019 - 2018 - 2017 -  2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 

Charging Ostrich taxidermy

Retriver Demo dogs - at Stay. 

2023 SEWE Saturday - Birds of Prey Flight Demo

African Stork - Feelin' Good at SEWE !!

The Center for the Birds of Prey in Awendaw comes to SEWE each year and performs multiple flight demonstrations in Marion Square in downtown Charleston, to raise awareness for their mission regarding the conservation of avian species. The bird  photos show the importance of their educational work.

To view past blog entries from the Center for Birds of Prey click on 2018 -  2017- 2016 - 2013 - 2011 - 2010

To view past blog entries from SEWE Saturday click 2015 - 2014- 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009. 

Not sure which guy I've been
knowing longer?! Thankful. 

Harris Hawks - After Dramatic Entrance !!!

Peregrine Falcon stalking Vertical Prey

2023 SEWE - Thursday / Friday

Artist Julie Jeppsen painting at Thursday VIP Preview

The Thursday afternoon VIP Preview Sale at Charleston Place allows all the artists from out of state to catch their breath after setting up for a three-day weekend sale. The crowds are light on this day, and it was a perfect opportunity to visit with one's favorite artist, or to perhaps seek out this year's featured artist. The first artwork sold at SEWE happens Thursday afternoon, and then later at the Black Tie Gala that night. 

Sheep Dog Herding demo at Brittlebank Park

Day One of the 2023 Southeastern Wildlife Expo on Friday saw TV star Forrest Gallante bring his inspirational message of conservation to SEWE fans at Gaillard Auditorium for the first time. He gave a lengthy introduction of his career since he is originally from Africa, and then chose to live in California and work as a biologist at the Channel Islands. A chance encounter on TV show Naked and Afraid gave him the idea to commit to a media campaign in order to raise awareness, and he now stars in multiple TV shows. Inside the Gaillard Auditorium is the SEWE Marketplace with lots of vendors with unique crafted items for sale.

Selfies at the SEWE sign are very popular

Breezy and sunny conditions for the first half of the day were great for strolling between the Gaillard Auditorium and Marion Square Park. The Square hosts the conservation village, all of the canine rescue organizations, the Cooking Tent, and the Center for Birds of Prey demos. A large crowd of youth were present on Friday at the Park, and viewing the snapping turtle with the Turtle Survival Alliance was a big draw for them. Food vendors and a picnic area make the Square a great place to linger during SEWE.

2023 Featured Print by Ryan Kirby

Some rain did fall in the afternoon, but the dock dogs competition goes on rain or shine, while the rest of the Brittlebank crowd thinned out early due to the dreary and windy weather. No doubt they were heading back out for oyster roasts and other social outings Friday night.

To view past blog entries from the SEWE Gala click on 2019 -  2018- 2017 - 2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013,  2012, 2011, 2010, or 2009. 

To view past blog entries from Friday at SEWE click on 2018 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009

2023 Hammock Coast Birding Festival

A new reason to gather outdoors is the inaugural Hammock Coast Birding Festival, which takes flight on Feb. 10 – 12 at coastal destinations between Georgetown and Myrtle Beach. This is the time of year to view wintering waterfowl, and a host of shorebirds and warblers that are visiting South Carolina. Trips include morning walks, boat rides, van tours and impromptu visits to birding hotspots in the Santee Delta and Murrell’s Inlet by attendees that always keep an eye out for bird life.

After spending time in the field each day, birders will gather to hear speakers each evening. Friday night at Hobcaw Barony is Dr. Lana Burgess talking about John James Audubon. Saturday night at Brookgreen Gardens is keynote speaker Peter Alden, a world-renowned naturalist, and author. Alden’s interests go beyond ornithology and include biodiversity, conservation, and invasive plants and animals. Sunday night’s speaker is Al Linde speaking about his experience with raptors and the Hawk Watch study.

To view past blog entries from Trilogy Outdoors click on Boone Hall Oyster Fest - 2022 Sea Turtle Season - Navigating an S.C. Public Draw Deer Hunt - Crappie Camp - Blessings of a Sporting Father

2023 Photo Safari - Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center

Alligator Alley Sighting

The weather for February 8 at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center was benign, with warm temps and little wind. Ample sunshine allowed the photographers on safari to take plenty of landscape and wildlife photos. Waterfowl was abundant, but they remained a good distance away from the causeways. Northern harrier was a constant sighting, while a bald eagle or two was flying high behind the scenes. Managed water levels are being drawn down, but lots of rain and slowed that progress, so not a lot of shorebirds were present yet at some of the usual stops like the Summer Duck pond.

Jim Lee gives an educational welcome talk

Guide Jim Lee was recognized by SCDNR in 2021 as their Employee of the the year and has 40 years of experience on the property. He listens to the photographers about what they would like to photograph, and then drives the van to locations like Alligator Alley, the beach, or architectural ruins. He can recall historical tales from the time of Tom Yawkey, or discuss what the Yawkey Foundation has in store for the future of the property. News Flash - they aren't changing a thing! Which means that the next time a member of the public goes on a Yawkey Tour, they will have access to a well-preserved, natural place in the Lowcountry.

Professor Sargent Camelias at 'Blackout'

To view past blog entries from Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center click on 2018 Walk Through History - 2016 Birding Tour - 2015 Shorebirds with Manomet - 2015 Yawkey Legacy Story 

To view Field Trips from 2023 click on Botany Bay WMA - Pinckney Island NWR - ACE Basin NWR Combahee Unit