2025 Birding Journal Observations - January / February

 Check back soon for the observations and photos.....

To view past birding journal observations for Jan/Feb click on 2024 - 2022- 2021 - 2020 - 2018-  2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013- 2012 - 2011 - 2010 

2025 Eastern Bird Banding Conference at Kiawah Island

Aaron Given holds a Common Yellowthroat 

The Eastern Bird Banding Association (EBBA) encourages investigation into the biology and migration of birds through banding. The Town of Kiawah Island is home to one such bird banding station run by biologist Aaron Given for the past sixteen years. In most cases, banders are placing tiny leg bands on small migratory songbirds, which requires up close hands-on work with attention to detail. It is science, but with daily repetitions during a months-long migratory window in Spring or Fall, it is also an art form. If modern day bird populations modulate either up or down, then their century of bird banding data can help define those trends.

 Given serves EBBA as their First Vice President and helped to plan their 2025 annual conference at Kiawah, and the last time EBBA met in Charleston it was back in 1971. “The 2025 conference gives Southeastern bird banders a great opportunity to attend this annual meeting, which normally meets in the Northeast,” said Given. “The meeting begins on Friday February 28 with an EBBA Council meeting at the Kiawah Town Hall, and then check-in and workshops are available for attendees all day. Our Friday night keynote speakers will address red knot shorebirds during an oyster roast and welcome supper at Mingo Point.”

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

To view past blog entries from Tideline click on ACE Basin Refuge -  2025 SE Wildlife Expo - S.C. Master Naturalist - CHS Outdoor Adventures - CCA oyster recycling -  SEWE / DU conservation -  Search for Shed Antlers -  Save The Light - Christmas Wish List - 2025 Christmas Bird Count -  December Saltwater Forecast - Fall Hunting Seasons -  2024 Red Trout tourney -  Sullivan's Island Bird Banding Station -  Beidler BioBlitz

2025 ACE Basin NWR Edisto Unit - A Refuge for Waterfowl

The Edisto Unit of the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge is tucked away on the southern edge of Charleston County, with historic impoundments on the banks of the Edisto River. Taking the last left turn off of Highway 17 onto Parkers Ferry Road heading east will lead you to the refuge, but a brief stretch on a dirt road and rock road will slow down the drive. Which simply means a commitment of time is required to visit this refuge, but once on site the miles of roads and trails open to hiking offers easy access to nature.

Migratory Waterfowl in the Grove Impoundment 2/5/25

 Brett Craig is the Refuge Manager at the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and has worked there since 2010. “The Edisto Unit is comprised of 7300-acres, with the prominent Grove Plantation house at the end of an avenue of oaks, serving as the Refuge office,” said Craig. “Right now due to staffing cutbacks, there is only one other employee working here, and then other U.S. Fish and Wildlife employees rotate through for work like prescribed fire or large maintenance projects.”

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

To view past blog entries from Tideline click on 2025 SE Wildlife Expo - S.C. Master Naturalist - CHS Outdoor Adventures - CCA oyster recycling -  SEWE / DU conservation -  Search for Shed Antlers -  Save The Light - Christmas Wish List - 2025 Christmas Bird Count -  December Saltwater Forecast - Fall Hunting Seasons -  2024 Red Trout tourney -  Sullivan's Island Bird Banding Station -  Beidler BioBlitz

2025 SEWE - Garden and Gun / Cocktails and Conservation

T. Edward Nickens and Dr. Karen Waldrop with DU

Ducks Unlimited's Chief Conservation Officer Dr. Karen Waldrop was in town from DU HQ in Memphis for Southeastern Wildlife Expo weekend. Garden and Gun magazine hosted her with writer T. Edward Nickens serving as interviewer, speaking to SEWE patrons and members of DU's President's Council donors. Nickens detailed that Waldrop had served with the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission for 17 years prior to joining Ducks Unlimited. 

"Science and telemetry is helping us to be able to understand where our ducks are coming from," said Waldrop. "When you add in Citizen Science, such as the federal leg band program, it's clear that waterfowl are some of the most studied birds out there on the landscape. Around 60-percent of North American waterfowl come from the Prairie Pothole region and many of those ducks will show up in South Carolina. Its all about habitat and ducks are really good at coming back again and again to places they like. We call that site fidelity and the ACE Basin is a good example where conservation is helpful to waterfowl."

Tennessee Rainbow Trout Cakes 

"For smaller landowners, check on the private land programs administered by the USDA," said Waldrop. "Controlling water levels is important to attracting ducks, plus using tools like a Green Tree Reservoir while working with neighbors towards common goals. Water is the key resource and moist soil management is a good way to go, and if you can control or remove some of the woody vegetation, some of what the ducks want is likely already in the seed bank. This type of work doesn't just benefit ducks since other wildlife will utilize good habitat, and in the bigger picture this management will yield water quality benefits too."

The G & G Lounge 

To view past blog entries from Garden and Gun Conservation and Cocktails click on 2023 - 2019 - 2018

To view past blog entries about DU click on Filming of DU TV - DU CEO hosts NAWCA - 75th Anniversary in D.C. - Capital Hill Diamond Dinner - Migratory Bird Joint Venture - DU and SEWE - ACE Basin 25th Anniversary

2025 SEWE Sunday - Sporting Round Up

Whole Lot of Owls Goin' On

Some kind of storm system came through Charleston on Sunday morning and many, like myself, decided to head indoors to the Gaillard. The rumor mill said that the outdoor venues were closed until 1 PM due to rain and threat of high winds, and I'm still not sure if that occurred. But by the afternoon the front had passed and the skies were once again blue and the Dock Dogs Finals were finished without fail. While at the Gaillard I took in the Busch Wildlife Gardens animal show for the umpteenth time, and was surprised to learn that some of their birds did not make the trip due to the threat of avian influenza crossing state lines. Instead, they showed a brief video of all those birds happy in their place back home in Florida. A last chance to view the exhibitors was a great way to make some mental notes about who to look for in 2026.

To view my SEWE photo gallery in the Tideline section of Post and Courier click on 2025 - 2024 

To view past blog entries from SEWE Sunday click on 2024 - 2023 -  2022 - 2019- 2018 - 2017-  2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 

Kingfisher Leatherworks at Grady Ervin

2025 SEWE Saturday - Marion Square / Birds Of Prey

Addie Carter (right) on top of Dewberry Hotel

The 10:30 AM Center for Birds of Prey flight demo was a big success, and I was fortunate to be able to go to the top of the Dewberry Hotel for the annual starting spectacle. This is when a Harris Hawk is released by a trainer to fly down into Marion Square and land in an area surrounds by SEWE fans. Walkie Talkie chatter signaled that it was time for handler Addie Carter to release the Harris Hawk and WOOSH it was gone. It happened so fast, I wondered if I could get a do over.... maybe next year!

Kennedy Center in Georgetown

Heading into Marion Square I was able to visit many of the conservation booths set up to promote worthy causes. The American Woodcock Society, Dog Rescue groups, artisans and of the course the Grown in S.C. tent run by Department of Agriculture. The food court with local restaurants is always a fan favorite whether looking for shrimp and grits or barbecue. Shout out to the Bennett Hotel for hosting the first SEWE duck calling contest on Saturday at 3:30 - it was well attended and fun to watch!

To view past blog entries from SEWE Saturday click on 2024 -  2023 - 2022 - 2018 - 2017 - 2016- 2015 - 2014- 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 

2025 SEWE Friday - Brittlebank Park / DU Oyster Roast

Dock Dogs at Brittlebank Park on Valentine's Day

The first day of the 2025 Southeastern Wildlife Expo was sunny and seasonably cool, just a beautiful day to be outdoors. A 9 AM breakfast with the DU policy board on East Bay street had me within easy walking distance to the Gaillard Auditorium for the 10 AM start time for SEWE. Michale Sims with Hook and Gaff watches was at his usual booth station, just past the entrance door, and he was the first one to greet me and we swapped business ideas. Though the next door is the cartography booth of Travis Folk, the photography booth of Cacky Rivers and the Woodworking booth of Capers Cauthen - all locals that I have known for decades. With my parking meter running low, I decided to make the short drive over to the Marriott Hotel and Brittlebank Park.

Meet Shofar! Owned by Colin Drew 

Upon stopping in at the duck decoys and collectibles room, I was able to purchase two sporting antique items for a reasonable fee, and the annual SEWE spending spree was officially underway. New for 2025 was the Ladies Lounge with lots of clothing and accessories like hats and decor, like that from Norton and Hodges. Hopping across the street to Brittlebank Park I was able to see the dueling tanks for Dock Dogs had attacked a large crowd, and the food trucks were in close proximity and smelling goof. Crawfish étouffée anyone?! On a mission to see a horse, I navigated the entire park to the other end where the Carolina Marsh Tacky Association was set up, and I got to visit with Shofar the horse. A large crowd of tourists had no effect on this horse that was content on chilling out and eating hay. 

The evening hours were dedicated to consuming oysters and visiting with lots fo DU folks at the annual Friday night throw down at the Visitor Center Bus Shed. Rumor has it, the local chapter of DU set records again this year in terms of attendance and fundraising. The live auction was exuberant and no one left hungry or without having had a chance to win something fun on the raffle. Looking forward to next year!

DU Oyster Roast was Yummy!

To view past blog entries from SEWE Friday click on 2024 -  2023- 2018 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009

2025 South Carolina Master Naturalist Program - Advanced Training

The popular Master Naturalist program is an educational class available to the public at six locations across the state. The Clemson Extension serves as the partner for each local program, giving them an online database to log volunteer hours in the future. In order to become a South Carolina Master Naturalist, more training is required and must take place in a different biogeographical region than where your home chapter is located. The pursuit of a statewide certification is not for everyone, but for many Master Naturalists this higher level of advanced training is a natural progression.

The six local chapters for Master Naturalist are Charleston, Winyah, Midlands, Catawba, Upstate and the yours truly graduated from the Lowcountry Chapter at Spring Island. Andy Jones is the Director of the Spring Island Trust and recently led an advanced training class about the History of the Coastal Plain, with a three-day field class stopping at Congaree National Park, Santee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and Beidler Forest. The attendees were Master Naturalist graduates from outside of the coastal plain region, seeking the 32-hours required to become a South Carolina Master Naturalist.

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

To view past blog entries from Tideline click on CHS Outdoor Adventures - CCA oyster recycling -  SEWE / DU conservation -  Search for Shed Antlers -  Save The Light - Christmas Wish List - 2025 Christmas Bird Count -  December Saltwater Forecast - Fall Hunting Seasons -  2024 Red Trout tourney -  Sullivan's Island Bird Banding Station -  Beidler BioBlitz

2025 Charleston Outdoor Adventures - Exploring Folly Area By Water

Lighthouse Tours are interactive and popular

The nickname Edge of America is synonymous with Folly Beach, but everyone must drive over winding creeks and the Folly River to arrive on this barrier island. Charleston Outdoor Adventures was founded in 2009 and is based out of Bowen’s Island, just before Folly Beach, and offers many ways to explore and enjoy the Folly area by water. This kind of nature-based tourism is booming, and whether you simply want a kayak rental for a secluded paddle along the spartina marsh, or a guided tour of the Morris Island lighthouse by boat, this outfitter offers these options year-round.

Joe Lotts is the owner and operator of Charleston Outdoor Adventures (COA) and is still hands on with customers, despite having a full staff of guides and naturalists. “We offer environmental education of our aquatic estuary with everything we do,” said Lotts. “We might talk about pluff mud, water salinity, or tidal cycles while trying to show the beauty of the Folly area. Some activities simply never get old, like our dolphin eco-tours, and we are able to partner with local groups for these trips sometimes too. For example, the Lowcountry Senior Center is sending a group of its members to COA on January 31 at noon to go looking for Atlantic bottlenose dolphin aboard our 27-foot Carolina Skiff. I personally have seen one of these dolphin for 18 years now and it is nicknamed Flat-Top for its markings.”

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

To view past blog entries from Tideline click on CCA oyster recycling -  SEWE / DU conservation -  Search for Shed Antlers -  Save The Light - Christmas Wish List - 2025 Christmas Bird Count -  December Saltwater Forecast - Fall Hunting Seasons -  2024 Red Trout tourney -  Sullivan's Island Bird Banding Station -  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 

2025 Oyster Festival - Boone Hall Plantation / CCA Shell Recycling

The Lowcountry Oyster Festival at Boone Hall Plantation is the kind of annual event that is almost a rite of passage for Lowcountry families. The dividends from time spent outdoors in a beautiful setting, while utilizing our natural resources, nourishes the Southern soul. The opportunity to recycle 45,000-pounds of oyster shell does not go unnoticed by the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) who will enlist an army of 150 volunteers to work from 10 to 5 on Feb. 2 to recycle all the shucked oyster shells.

CCA volunteers at Oyster Fest 2025

Gary Keisler of Mount Pleasant is on the State Board of CCA and is their Habitat Chairman for South Carolina. “Recycling this much oyster shell at once is a conservation success story, but getting our youth involved in this hands on way is even more important,” said Keisler. “My self and many CCA members have been recreational anglers for decades, and we understand that oysters are an important component of the Lowcountry ecosystem. The Boone Hall oyster festival and CCA have partnered in this endeavor since 2009.”

To read the feature story in the Post and Courier click on Tideline.

To view past blog entries from Tideline click on SEWE / DU conservation -  Search for Shed Antlers -  Save The Light - Christmas Wish List - 2025 Christmas Bird Count -  December Saltwater Forecast - Fall Hunting Seasons -  2024 Red Trout tourney -  Sullivan's Island Bird Banding Station -  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 

2024 Gamekeepers / Winter - Ducks Around Landmark Lakes

Any debate about how to attract migratory waterfowl in order to hunt ducks can often include the premise that one needs to hunt where the ducks want to be. In many cases, this includes bodies of water on the landscape that are large enough to produce what managers call site fidelity. Even a small man-made pond can attract ducks, but it typically will not see them stay long and certainly can’t produce an entire waterfowl season of hunting. Migratory duck are looking for food and water and landmark lakes are drought-resistant and provide a reliable destination for them. Where waterfowl managers near these locations have built impoundments with flooded duck food that welcomes the overwintering population of ducks, business is booming.

Photo courtesy Carl Bussells / Santee Cooper

            

In some cases, adjacent properties to these landmark lakes have been utilized by the federal government for years in the form of a National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). A Refuge provides water where ducks can loaf, and presumably a crop of groceries too, although that can vary from location to location. Conversely, waterfowl hunting impoundments in private hands simply do not miss a single growing season, and often expand planting budgets over time to feed the influx of ducks. Many such waterfowl hunting operations are offering a pay-to-hunt option with a daily duck blind rate or a yearly membership. In other cases the private landowner or plantation owner may only invite family, friends and business associate to hunt. But taken together as a whole, these ducky initiatives near landmark lakes create their own mini-flyway most seasons.

For the latest online content in the magazine click on Gamekeepers Magazine.

To view past stories from Mossy Oak Gamekeepers click on Mallard DNA -  Quail Habitat Philosophy -  2024 Fence It In -  2024 Reforestation -  2024 Predator Control- 2023 Wild Turkey Decline - 2022 Managing Duck Impoundments - 2021 Regional Wood Duck Study -  Fall 2021- Summer 2021 - Winter 2020- Spring 2020 - Fall 2017- Spring 2016 - Winter 2016 - Fall 2015 - Summer 2015 - Spring 2015 - Winter 2015 - Fall 2014 - Summer 2014 - Spring 2014 - Winter 2013