2025 Shorebird Stewards - Spreading the Word about Protections

Red Knot with leg band
Photo by SCDNR

Spring is shorebird nesting season, and these birds utilize the undulating ribbon of beaches that grace the shoreline. Beachgoers are already familiar with the presence of Turtle Patrol during this time of year, and now volunteer birders are joining these sandy conservation efforts. Specifically, they are placing educational signage in the areas where shorebirds nest, and logging hours on the beach to raise awareness with visitors.

The shorebird stewards program is administered by Audubon South Carolina, but they rely on private groups and municipalities up and down the coast for manpower. For example, at Kiawah Island the shorebird stewards are administered by the Town of Kiawah Island and their volunteers. At Seabrook Island, the shorebirds stewards are administered by the Seabrook Island Birders club. And the newest shorebird steward group effort just formed at Edisto Beach and is a collaboration between a Wildlife Committee of residents chaired by Ken Tingman, and the Town of Edisto Beach. At Edisto, signage has been placed at nesting hotspots on the beach, and Audubon’s Abby Burke conducted a training of their volunteers on site Friday, April 4, 2025.

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

To view past blog entries on Tideline click April Saltwater Fishing -  Turkey Season Gear - Spring Conservation Calendar -  Edisto Flora and Fauna -  Horseshoe Crab Research -  Bird Banding Conference - 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