2023 Sea Islands Shorebirds Festival / Kiawah and Seabrook (and Edisto)

Inaugural Signage at Freshfields

Kiawah and Seabrook are the barrier islands just North of Edisto, and they organized the first Sea Island Shorebirds Festival on May 11. A Birder’s Breakfast hosted by the Kiawah Conservancy included a presentation on the migration habits of shorebirds. When these shorebirds spend part of their Spring at our beaches, they are feeding heavily and resting up to continue migrating. Volunteers known as Shorebird Stewards watch out for shorebirds on the beach at Kiawah and Seabrook, and Edisto has recently enrolled in the same program at Botany Bay WMA beach and the S.C. State Park beach. 

Kiawah Conservancy trip

All these places post signage on the beach to mark nesting areas, asking beachgoers to stay out of these areas. Dogs are required to be on a leash at Edisto starting May 1, mainly due to nesting turtle season but also for shorebirds. Edisto Police Chief Seyle says to call 1-843-549-2211 to report dogs off leash. The shorebirds can be frightened by roaming dogs, and they need to focus on the task of locating food sources like horseshoe crab eggs. It’s not unusual to see several different species of shorebirds resting together on the beach, and the best way to enjoy viewing them is with binoculars, so they don’t act nervous or fly off.

Shorebirds including Red Knots and Dunlin at Seabrook

The Sea Islands Shorebirds Festival featured guided walks in multiple locations, and I was able to view the shorebirds adjacent to The Ocean Course at Kiawah. The North end of Kiawah’s beach is growing, and these remote sandbars are a hotspot for shorebirds and wading birds. The Seabrook Island Birders Club organized a trip to the North end of Seabrook led by SCDNR's Janet Thibeaux to view Captain Sam’s Spit, another natural beach formation that shorebirds love spending time at. Off the southern tip of Seabrook is Deveaux Bank, which is now cherished as a protected roost that is home to shorebirds, as well as the brown pelicans that are seen flying up and down Edisto beach all day long. 

Field Trip to The Ocean Course

To view past blog entries on Shorebirds click on 2022 Harbor Island Shorebird Walk - 2020 Shorebird Protection on Botany Bay WMA -  2018 Shorebirds Talk at Seabrook Island Birders -  2017 Shorebird Symposium by Kiawah Conservancy - 2016 Spring Shorebird Synergy - 2016 The Narrow Edge Book Review - 2015 Manomet Workshop at Yawkey Preserve - 2015 World Shorebird Day - 2014 Moon Bird Book Review - 2014 / Inaugural World Shorebird Day

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

2023 Edisto Turtle Nesting Season Begins

Town of Edisto Beach Turtle Patrol on May 10

Each year the calendar claims May 1 – October 31 as sea turtle nesting season, and an army of turtle patrol volunteers undertake a daily morning walk to identify the signs of turtle crawls and nests. Edisto Island has three areas that are closely monitored for this activity and they are Botany Bay WMA Beach, Edisto State Park Beach and Town of Edisto Beach. The first loggerhead turtle nest came at Botany Bay on May 5, the first at the State Park came on May 9 and the first on the Town Beach was May 12. Sea turtle activity should increase rapidly, and the 2023 TurtleFest is set for Saturday, June 3 at the State Park.

            

DNR technician at Botany Bay WMA

For instance, the Lights Out campaign from May 1 – Oct. 31 aims to reduce glare from beach houses and roadway lights that can cause disorientation to nesting mothers and to hatchlings returning to the sea. A leash law for dogs goes into effect on May 1 in order to ensure that canines do not investigate any sea turtles encountered during nesting season. Police Chief Seyle says to call 843-549-2211 to report dogs off leash. Also, beachgoers are constantly needing to be reminded that holes dug in the sand must be refilled each day, and that leaving chairs, coolers and umbrellas on the beach overnight is not allowed, since all are impediments to nesting turtles.

A Body Pit is indicative of a Nest

I was able to go on Turtle Patrol at dawn on May 10 with the Town of Edisto Beach, and we walked from Station 22 to Station 16, but found no turtle sign. “This is my second year on Turtle Patrol and just can’t get enough of this opportunity to help nesting mamas complete their cycle of life,” said Mary Alice Woodrum. “It was breezy and cloudy today, but once it gets sunny and warmer the nesting season could get busy quickly. Turtle Patrol also picks up all litter we find, and reports unusual wildlife sightings from the surf zone.” If a turtle nest is above the high tide line and in a safe place it can be marked and left in place, but some nests must be excavated and moved for safety, which requires SCDNR training and skills which all turtle patrol leaders have received.

To view past blog entries about sea turtle click 2022 Hunting Island State Park Turtle Patrol - 2021 Town Of Edisto Turtle Patrol - 2020 Nesting Season Begins - 2019 Kiawah Record Nest Total - 2019 Nesting Season Begins -  2018 Nesting Season Begins - 2016 Seabrook Turtle Patrol - 2015 Edisto Turtle Fest - 2014 Leatherback Sighting - 2012 SCDNR Turtle Trawl - 2012 World Sea Turtle Day - 2011 Mid-Season Nesting Numbers - 2009 SC Aquarium Sea Turtle Release

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2023 click on Dolphin Slam - Paddling For Pups - Mellon Grant for Hutchinson House - Horseshoe Crab Awareness -  Deer Herd Management - 2025 Beach Renourishment - Botany Bay Volunteer Supper - Christmas Bird Count

2023 Edisto Dolphin Slam - Tina's Trippin' Wins

Todd Dinkins,
Marina Owner Charles Yeomans and
winning angler Robby Harrison 

On May 6 a fleet of 30 boats went offshore fishing in the 2023 Dolphin Slam. Anglers were greeted with rough seas on the morning ride into the Atlantic Ocean, but the fishing conditions improved throughout the day. Overall, they sportfishing boats were able to locate the dolphin in the ‘teenager’ size class, weighing-in under 20-pounds. The weigh-in from 4 to 7 at the Marina at Edisto was steady, and a 19.3-pound dolphin caught be Robby Harrison on the Tina’s Trippin’ took home the First Place payday.

Sierra Bonilla with a Tuna from Cuttin' Out

            

Capt. Trip ‘Ray Ray’ Rice steered the 50-foot Viking sportfisher South near an offshore formation known as the Deli, and mate Jake Tyner put the fishing lines out. “It was raining all around us, and Low pressure had settled in for the day,” said Robby Harrison. “The winning dolphin hit the flat line near where I was standing, and I got lucky when dropping back the bait because the fish lit up and bit hard. Everyone in the boat congratulated me because we knew that was the biggest of the 15 mahi we caught that day. In 2022 the winning dolphin was 64.6-pounds, so we didn’t really think this fish would win, but glad we were wrong!”

2023 Slam T-shirts were GONE fast

            

Finishing in second place was angler C.J. Oomens with an 18.8-pound mahi fishing aboard the Wreck On. Angler Natalie Potts won the Lady Angler award with a 17.3-pound mahi while fishing aboard the Salt Lick. First place Youth Angler went to Baker Daniel for an 18.9-pound mahi and Second place Youth angler went to Trav Wright for his 18-pound dolphin. Some tuna and wahoo were weighed-in too. Congrats to all the anglers that fished. The Governor’s Cup returns to Edisto July 20.

To view past blog entries from the Edisto Dolphin Slam click on 2022 - 2019- 2018 - 2016 

To view past blog entries from the Edisto Billfish Tourney click on 2022 -  2021- 2019- 2018- 2017- 2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2023 click Paddling For Pups - Mellon Grant for Hutchinson House - Horseshoe Crab Awareness -  Deer Herd Management - 2025 Beach Renourishment - Botany Bay Volunteer Supper - Christmas Bird Count

2023 Paddling For Pups Goes Overboard

Did you miss the Puppy Plunge? Well, next up is the inaugural Paddling For Pups that is sure to be on point regarding canine entertainment. This will be a fundraiser for Animal Lovers of Edisto (ALOE) and is designed to take place just as high tide changes to ebb tide, in order to enjoy slack currents. Dogs will ride with their human on a kayak or SUP, and wagging rights are on the line! There is no drooling allowed, and a doggy-paddle splash fest is sure to develop in the waters of Big Bay Creek. Dogs that don’t want to swim are welcome to put their paws in the park.  

 An ambitious day-long schedule from 10 – 5 has been drafted by organizer Lindsey Young. “We’ve got vendors setting up at 10 a.m. in Bay Creek Park, including the Food Truck Shorty’s Smokin’ Butts,” said Young. “The action starts immediately with trainer demos and fun contests like the dog and owner look-a-like contest. Best dressed Pup and Best Dog Trick are also on the agenda, and did I mention live music too! It’s gonna be a dog-gone good time and the races will run from 1 to 3. The starting line is Edisto Watersports and the Finish Line is Bay Creek Park.”

            

The after-party goes until 5 p.m. and dogs in the park are required to be on a leash. Rut Ro! ALOE is the canine rescue organization for Edisto, and this event is for like-minded folks with big hearts. For more information call 1-800-WOOF-WOOF, or to register a team call 843-631-0144. Sit, Stay, Run, or Play the whole day with these friendly canines. And don’t forget to visit ALOE on FaceBook anytime to report lost doggies on Edisto Island. 

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2023 click on Mellon Grant for Hutchinson House - 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 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 Land Trust - Mellon Grant for Hutchinson House

Hutchinson House on August 5, 2021

A nearly one-million-dollar grant has been awarded by the Mellon Foundation, to transform and administer the humanities outreach program at the Hutchinson House. The Edisto Island Open Land Trust (EIOLT) has been working since 2016 to restore and preserve one of the oldest houses on Edisto Island, with the final phase of construction already paid for and on the schedule for 2023. The $950,000-Mellon Grant will address the African American Heritage present at the Hutchison House, and will feature Gullah-Geechee culture with a programming calendar that provides outreach to island residents, and to summer visitors.

“While the Mellon Grant does not have anything to do with the bricks and mortar, it helps to shine light on the big picture at Hutchinson House,” said John Girault, Director of EIOLT. “Future cultural research, archaeology work, informational signage, and the hiring of a project director are all covered by the Mellon Grant. We had already filed for county permits to finish the interior and add the porch, and this grant will provide polish to this project that we hope will engage the African American community. We envision hosting Gullah-Geechee performers right on the grounds at Hutchinson House in the future.”

            

“We are so grateful for this Mellon Grant, and we have learned a lot about the grant process with the Hutchinson House restoration,” said Girault. “Current grants with the National Park Service, and the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund helped raise awareness for our project, and these efforts led to our application for the Mellon Grant.” EIOLT will hold their annual Legacy Live Oak Memorial Dedication on May 7 at 2 p.m. at indigo Farm. Coming on June 8, EIOLT will present a free screening of the S.C. purple martin documentary Purple Haze at the Edisto Civic Center.

To view past blog entries from Edisto Land Trust click 2022 Oyster Roast -  2022 I Love Edisto Auction -  2021 Queen Quet Gullah Blessing / Hutchinson House - 2018 I Love Edisto Auction - 2018 Coastal Geology Lecture - 2017 Oyster Roast - 2017 Lowcountry Landscape Lecture with Richard Porcher - 2017 I Love Edisto Auction - 2017 Tomato Open - 2016 Oyster Roast - 2014 Oyster Roast - 2014 Spring Birding - 2013 Oyster Roast - 2012 ACE Basin Mtg. - 2009 Spring Birding with Patrick McMillan

2023 Beidler Forest - Birding By Ear / Prothonotary Warbler Nesting

Prothonotary Warbler with leg bands

The Beidler Forest Audubon Center and Sanctuary welcomed the Lowcountry Master Naturalists on May 5 for a Birding By Ear class with Director Matt Johnson. After a one-hour indoor classroom session to listen to bird calls that we might hear, we then walked the Beidler boardwalk and put our auditory skills to the test. The five species that Johnson taught us to listen for are Naorthern Parula, Yellow-throated warbler, Prothonotary warbler, Red-eyed Vireo and Blue-grey gnatcatcher - and we heard them ALL!! Backyard birds that most folks can learn to identify via sounds are Tufted titmouse, Carolina wren, Northern cardinal and Carolina chickadee. 

Lowcountry Master Naturalist group
with Trip Leader Matt Johnson

While we were on the boardwalk I noticed several groups of photographers, since it is the peak of the prothonotary warbler nesting season. After class, I was able to go back on the boardwalk in hopes of making a few prothonotary warbler photos of my own, and was fortunate to find a few birds actively hunting insects and coming and going from a nest box near the Meeting Tree benches. More Birding By Ear came into practice as I heard Barred Owls calling nearby, but never saw them. Who Cooks For You is the Mnemonic that birders utilize to remember their call and cadence. Can You Hear Me Now?!

To view past blog entries from Audubon / Beidler Forest click on 2021 Flora and Fauna - 2021 Name That Snake - 2017 Audubon Insectarium - 2016 Prescribed Fire -  2015 Boardwalk Bonanza - 2014 SAMBI Award - 2013 Audubon Aquarium - 2012 Audubon's Aviary Book- 2011 Audubon Magazine - 2009 Wildlands Philanthropy Book 

To view past blog entries from Audubon Silver Bluff click on 2022 Spring Birding 

Iconic cypress knees and Pro. Warbler

A male Baltimore Oriole we sighted 5/5/23.
Johnson remarked it was the FIRST documented 
sighting of one in Beidler Forest!!

To view past 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 Horseshoe Crab Awareness / Strandings

Stranded horseshoe crab on Edisto Beach.
Broken tail prevents it from flipping itself over.

Horseshoe crabs will be coming onto the beach to lay their eggs during the full moon high tides, and beachgoers may witness them. Horseshoe crabs are vitally important to the ecosystem, since their eggs are eaten by migratory shorebirds, and the crabs themselves are eaten by sea turtles and sharks. When the horseshoe crabs come ashore, they are focused on mating and laying eggs, and can become flipped over and stranded when the tide goes out. Some horseshoe crab mortality is normal, but it is OK to carefully pick up a stranded horseshoe crab and place it back in the ocean.

Dr. Al Segars at Edisto on May 6

Dr. Al Segars is a retired SCDNR biologist and veterinarian. “About 10-percent of horseshoe crab mortality each year is beach strandings,” said Segars. “They prefer the habitat on the edges of barrier islands, because crawling up a flat beach is easiest for them. Edisto Beach from Access 30 to 37 and Otter Island are known to have concentrations of horseshoe crabs. Younger horseshoe crabs can turn themselves over using their tail, but older horseshoe crabs mostly cannot due to broken off or worn down tail length. Horseshoe crab eggs are vitally important to shorebirds like the Red Knot that must eat the eggs and store up enough energy to fly to the Arctic nesting grounds.” Segars comes to Edisto on May 6 to look for horseshoe crabs with the Edisto Land Trust.

            

Horseshoe crabs are in decline, and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources is asking for members of the public to report any sightings of horseshoe crabs to them using an online form. “We need your help, as the new moon and full moon approach, horseshoe crabs will be scuttling ashore to lay eggs. Why? Because tides are highest then and eggs have the best chance of surviving when buried at the high tideline.” Of course, the tide action uncovers some of the eggs and that’s when shorebirds swoop in to feast, highlighting Mother Nature’s balancing act between these species.

Observers waiting for horseshoe crabs to arrive

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2023 click on 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 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 Birding Journal Observations - March / April

Female Orchard Oriole from April 28

A mild winter with just a few spikes of cold weather, brought enough rain to keep the Lowcountry swamps with ample water. Perhaps that was a factor in how a cooler than expected Spring has blessed the Lowcountry in 2023, with the rains tapering off just a bit. None of the climactic conditions seem to have affected neotropical songbird migration though, with a cavalcade of bird species showing up right on time.  Ruby-throated hummingbirds were the first to arrive and then painted buntings began to show up, mostly along the immediate coast in early April. 

Snowy Egret from April 20

By mid to late April I had welcomed hummers, male and female painted buntings, an indigo bunting, male and female summer tanager, male and female blue grosbeak, red-headed woodpecker, yellow-billed cuckoo, orchard oriole and rose-breasted grosbeak. That's pretty much a Home Run in the World Series of Birding - which occurs each year during Spring migration. I have also seen Swallow-tailed Kites, Missippippi Kites,  fledgling bald eagles and a host of baby birds. The only birds that I see 'on occasion' or once every few years that I am missing, would be the scarlet tanager and red-breasted nuthatch. But no complaints here! It's exciting to think about what the month of May could bring to the feeder?!

To view the most recent Birding Journal Observations click on 2023 January / February

To view past Birding Journal Observations from March April click on 2022 - 2021- 2018-  2017 - 2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 

To view 2023 Birding Field Trips 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