2023 Harbor Island - Shorebird Beach Walk

Wilson's Plover in remnant marsh

The Fripp Island Audubon group enjoyed its annual outing to Harbor Island on April 25, thanks to resident Peggy Lucas. The conditions this morning were very tough for birding on the beach, with a 20 m.p.h. Northeast wind blowing the ocean water up onto the beach. Despite the wind blowin' a gale, plenty of shorebirds were seen including dunlin with breeding patch on display. Willet stayed at the water's edge, while black-bellied plovers occupied drier ground, and sanderlings mixed in everywhere. Some ruddy turnstones were investigating a horseshoe crab carcass, and a pair of Wilson's Plovers dared us to cross into their territory. Ospreys hovered but did not dive much due to the howling wind.

Willet at water's edge

Plan B was to visit a small lagoon on the island that is home to wading birds, and a rookery. This allowed us to see a green heron, black-crowned night herons, egrets on the nest, plus turtles and alligators. We could identify other birds that flew past including mourning dove, house finch, mockingbird and cardinal. A tour of the native plants in the community garden wrapped up our visit. 

To view past blog entries from Harbor Island click on 2022 Shorebird Walk - 2022 Nature Trail Birding

To view past Birding Field Trips for 2023 click on Kiawah Island -  Webb Wildlife Center - Whooping Crane Pond - Jarvis Creek Park - Caw Caw Bio Blitz -  Botany Bay WMA - Pinckney Island NWR - ACE Basin NWR Combahee Unit

2023 Kiawah Island Conservancy - Earth Day Birding

Semi-palmated Plover

The Kiawah Conservancy expands Earth Day to be all week long, and I attended an Earth Week photography class at The Ocean Course. The weather was very mild for April 22 and we started out looking at hundreds of shore birds loafing in a gulley. The shutter on the cameras were running hot, and the action only increased when multiple ospreys began fishing nearby in the ocean, with flocks of pelicans cruising up and down the surf line. Trip Leader John Kotz told us of his recent international travels in search of bird photos, and how he has been fortunate to reside on Kiawah for 30 years.

Snowy Egret - Notice the 'Golden Slippers'

Adam from the Kiawah Conservancy came to co-lead the beach walk, before leading a second event that toured the Ocean Park neighborhood. An active bald eagle nest was the main draw, but a yellow-throated warbler tried to steal the show. Wading birds aplenty were in clear view, and back at The Preserve pond a pair of black-necked stilts were hanging around an area they used for nesting in the recent past. Bobcat scat on the trail told us that predators are lurking and that nature still plays a key role on Kiawah Island.

Photographers hopeful for birding pics on the beach

To view past blog entries from Kiawah Island Click on 2019 Record Turtle Nests - 2018 2.0 Expansion Plan - 2017 Shorebird Symposium - 2012 PGA Championship - 2011 Sea Turtle Release with S.C. Aquarium

To view past Birding Field Trips from 2023 click on  Webb Wildlife Center - Whooping Crane Pond - Jarvis Creek Park - Caw Caw Bio Blitz -  Botany Bay WMA - Pinckney Island NWR - ACE Basin NWR Combahee Unit

2023 Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center - Formula For Success

Just South of Georgetown is a swath of coastal habitat that has been preserved on a landscape scale. Local birdwatchers and camera club members are known to visit the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, but the number of first-time visitors is increasing all the time. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources has managed this land since 1976 when the late Tom Yawkey willed the acreage to the Palmetto State. Only a few areas in North America enjoy the level of biodiversity found on the property, and Mr. Yawkey’s vision for providing a sanctuary for birds and plants remains in clear view today.

            

The Yawkey Wildlife Center is composed of 31-square miles including North Island, South Island and Cat Island. There is 24,000-acres of uplands interspersed with wetlands, and a full 14-miles of untouched front beach that is a magnet for nesting loggerhead sea turtles. Due to specific requests in Yawkey’s will forbidding recreational activities like hunting, this area will always remain a wildlife sanctuary. His understanding that any dream takes funding, led him to leave a large endowment in place. Today, the Yawkey Foundation literally pays for every endeavor on the property, including the salary of the SCDNR staff. 

This formula of habitat management without the pressure to generate revenue, is the formula that will help the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center stand the test of time. As the U.S. population continues to migrate towards the coast and areas like Georgetown, the Yawkey Center will remain unchanged and virtually guarantee that wildlife will seek it out as a stronghold. Migratory birds already flock to the Yawkey Center in impressive numbers due to a large number of ponds and impoundments that appeal to waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds. The Santee Delta is also home to other large tracts of land, such as hunting plantations, and they all aid wildlife habitat as extensions off of the Yawkey centerpiece.

The only access to the Yawkey Center is from the Belle Isle boat ramp, and SCDNR offers 4-hour van tours of the property on many days of the year. Longtime guide Jim Lee, the 2021 SCDNR Employee of the Year, will drive a circuitous route across the island and lead the guests to scenic vistas that never disappoint. He blends stories from the past with present day, in a way that reveals the tapestry of heritage that exists here. Lee also points out native wildflowers and sightings that provide a happy memory for folks to take home. The total acreage was compiled by purchasing small tracts over time, and the Yawkey Foundation is still acquiring adjacent tracts today, including 269-acres in 2022.

To view this article on the Internet click on April Issue of Trilogy Outdoors

To view past blog entries from Yawkey Center click on 2023 Winter Photo Safari -  2018 Walk Through History - 2016 Birding Tour - 2015 Shorebirds with Manomet - 2015 Yawkey Legacy Story 

To view Birding Field Trips for 2023 click on Harbor Island - Kiawah Island - Webb Wildlife Center - Whooping Crane Pond - Jarvis Creek Park - Caw Caw Bio Blitz -  Botany Bay WMA - Pinckney Island NWR - ACE Basin NWR Combahee Unit

2023 Edisto Beach - Deer Management Measures Taken

The Town of Edisto Beach approved payment of $9800-dollars for a new deer management contract at the January Town Council meeting. The removal of approximately 70 deer took place in February, with a permit from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. The team from Lowcountry Wildlife Specialists undertakes cull hunts in other communities in S.C. and specializes in ethical removal of white-tailed deer. A second contract for $6,000-dollars was also approved to have all the deer processed at Long’s deer processing, and the venison meat then donated to the food bank on Edisto.

Too many deer and too few food sources

            

“This issue had to be dealt with, and we wrestled with this decision for years,” said Mayor Crawford Moore. “I consulted with other places that have dealt with overpopulation issues such as Fripp Island. Sterilization programs were more costly and the results were mixed, and we decided this was the best way to address the issue at Edisto Beach. The study we had done estimated that we are at 237 deer per square mile, and that our deer population will continue to grow. We are entering a new phase where we will manage the herd as needed, and these activities conclude on March 1, 2023.”

            

“Some of the underlying effects of overpopulation of deer is malnourishment, and the beach habitat doesn’t offer lots of lush growth for deer to feed on,” said Moore. “Of course Town work vehicles constantly undergo repairs from collision damage with deer, and members of the public report a similar issue. During the rut, a male buck actually gored a family’s dog, and two does that were being chased nearly knocked down a walker at Burly Lyons Park.” Deer management involves public safety, auto safety and offers a good defense against compounding problems that come from no action. Viewing white-tailed deer and other wildlife in The Town of Edisto Beach will continue to be a draw for visitors for years to come.

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2023 click on Horseshoe Crab Awareness - 2025 Beach Renourishment - Botany Bay Volunteer Supper - Christmas Bird Count 

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2022 click #WhoYouWhit Benefit - Land Trust Oyster Roast - Edisto Belles Beach Walk - Edisto Billfish Tourney - I Love Edisto Auction - Botany Bay WMA Birding - Edisto Dolphin Slam 

To view past blog entries from Edisto from 2021 click #WhoYouWhit Benefit- Edisto Water Sports Redfish Tourney - Edisto Beach Sweep - Manatee Sightings- Edisto River Sweep - CCA Barge Sunk off Edisto - Belles Beach Walk - Vacasa Purchases Atwood-  Gullah Blessing for Hutchinson House - Town Budget - Town Turtle Patrol - Edisto Billfish Tourney 

2023 Edisto Beach Renourishment - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Edisto Town Council and members of their political representation were invited to downtown Charleston on February 27, to sign a Project Partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Though the beach renourishment agreement will not be actionable until 2025, this press conference included local TV media coverage, since beach projects represent tourism interests. Town administrator Mark Aakhus signed the documents before passing them to Mayor Crawford Moore and Lt. Col. Andrew Johannes. The window for implementation of this project is defined as not during any part of turtle nesting season, and will last three weeks.

Lt. Col. Johanness, Bubba Trippe, Edisto Town Council, Chip Campsen, Crawford Moore and Mark Aakus on Feb. 27

Johannes is District Commander for the Charleston District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). “We’ve been working with the Town of Edisto to reduce the chance for coastal storm flooding risks, with a plan that is feasible from an engineering standpoint,” said Johannes. “The plan is economically sound as well with USACE providing 65% funding and Town of Edisto 35%. USACE will be building a sand burn approximately 15-feet high, but only 5-feet of that will be visible in relativity to the existing beach. Charleston District civil projects include sand renourishment projects at other places like Pawley’s Island and Folly Beach too.”

Mayor Crawford Moore spoke next and thanked Johannes. “We are very excited about this project, because ultimately the beaches belong to the public and Edisto is a small family beach that welcomes partners like USACE,” said Crawford. State Senator Chip Campsen was present and commented that he is always happy to help Edisto. Colleton County Council member Bubba Trippe was in attendance. “The Edisto Beach Coastal Storm Risk Management Project will greatly benefits residents and visitors alike,” said Trippe.

The breakdown in funding is approximately $20 million dollars from USACE, and 10-million dollars from Town of Edisto Beach. “Approximately 3-million dollars will come from an in-kind credit the Town has from completion of past groin projects on the beach, and 7.5-million from S.C. Parks Department.,” said Moore. “The Accommodations Tax (ATAX) dollars the Town puts aside annually totals $250,000 to use towards future renourishment bills like this one. This agreement with USACE is a good deal for the Town of Edisto and we’ll be thinking of creative ways to partner with them again for future sand renourishment."

To view past blog entries from 2023 at Edisto click on Horseshoe Crab Awareness - Deer Herd Management - Botany Bay Volunteer Supper - Christmas Bird Count

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2022 click  #WhoYouWhit Benefit - Land Trust Oyster Roast - Edisto Belles Beach Walk - Edisto Billfish Tourney - I Love Edisto Auction - Botany Bay WMA Birding - Edisto Dolphin Slam 

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2023 click  #WhoYouWhit Benefit- Edisto Water Sports Redfish Tourney - Edisto Beach Sweep - Manatee Sightings- Edisto River Sweep - CCA Barge Sunk off Edisto - Belles Beach Walk - Vacasa Purchases Atwood-  Gullah Blessing for Hutchinson House - Town Budget - Town Turtle Patrol - Edisto Billfish Tourney 

2023 Botany Bay WMA - Volunteer Appreciation Supper

Volunteers on March 16

Soggy conditions due to heavy rains had Botany Bay Road closed for construction work several days at the end of February. SCDOT took great efforts to dig out the drainage ditches on both sides of the dirt road, before grading it to drain better. The fact that parts of the road leading to Botany Bay WMA never receive sunlight due to the live oak tree canopy makes it a challenge to maintain. The annual volunteer appreciate dinner at Botany Bay WMA was scheduled for March 10, but was postponed to March 16 due to rain and road conditions. With daylight savings newly in place, the volunteers enjoyed food from the grill, and a raffle as a reward for a job well done over the past year.

Volunteers Enjoying Supper

            

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources manages the Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area, and manager Aaron Ward lives on the property, and cooked chicken and BBQ on the grill. Bess Kellett has been the SCDNR volunteer coordinator at Botany Bay since 2008, and she coordinates each volunteer to a corresponding duty such as working at the education kiosk at  the beach trail, in order to educate visitors about what they might encounter, and about not keeping any sea shells that are precious to the beach. Kellett keeps track of visitor numbers and reports 87,500-visitors in 2022 and 105,000-visitors in 2021, and that the driving tour is the most popular option.

            

Some volunteers prefer a hands-on role, and Botany Bay is closed to the public on Tuesdays, and this is affectionately known as Grunt Work day. Volunteers might have to clear a path by hand, or perform tasks that enable others to enjoy the property when they visit. In Spring, each of the 92 blue bird boxes at Botany Bay WMA will receive maintenance to be cleaned out and ready for nesting, as well as nest monitoring to record nesting success. Some volunteers participate in turtle patrol, or all day bird counts at different times of the year, while some are simply known to Bess as people she can count on if she has an immediate need to fill.

            

“We had over 70 folks come to our dinner at 5:30 on a Thursday afternoon, and we had fabulous weather for a cookout,” said Kellett. “Without our volunteers, we simply could not keep Botany Bay WMA in the best possible state of management that benefits both wildlife and visitors. My volunteers monitor our 30 wood duck boxes each Spring, and have to brave the bugs when in the field, and I am so thankful for them and for all my volunteers.” The dogwoods and azaleas on site were in full bloom during the volunteer appreciation day, and dazzling flowers are just one example of the natural beauty found at Botany Bay WMA. 

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2023 click on Horseshoe Crab Awareness - Deer Herd Management - 2025 Beach Renourishment - Botany Bay Volunteer Supper - Christmas Bird Count

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2022 click  #WhoYouWhit Benefit - Land Trust Oyster Roast - Edisto Belles Beach Walk - Edisto Billfish Tourney - I Love Edisto Auction - Botany Bay WMA Birding - Edisto Dolphin Slam 

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2023 click  #WhoYouWhit Benefit- Edisto Water Sports Redfish Tourney - Edisto Beach Sweep - Manatee Sightings- Edisto River Sweep - CCA Barge Sunk off Edisto - Belles Beach Walk - Vacasa Purchases Atwood-  Gullah Blessing for Hutchinson House - Town Budget - Town Turtle Patrol - Edisto Billfish Tourney