(Event is Free but please RSVP!)

Presentation by Bob Speare, local Naturalist.  Bob will talk about the CBC and birds we are likely to see on the count.

You are welcome to bring cookies, etc., for the dessert table, as always. We hope to see you there! RSVP is requested but not required to attend.

(Member registration opens 11/2; nonmember on 11/9)

Spend an afternoon at Newhall Preserve discovering the joys of nature journaling with instructor / illustrated journal keeper Pam Johnson Brickell.  Nature Journaling is not just about sketching.  Observation is key. Through a series of specifically designed exercises, you’ll enter the sacred space of slowing down.  The tiniest wonders will open up to you. In the process, observational and sketching skills are developed. A calmness envelopes you and keeps a smile in your heart. No experience is needed.  Just bring your desire to learn. 

Pam Johnson Brickell is an intuitive illustrator of the natural world and urban scene.  She has taught nature and illustrated journaling workshops for over 25 years and practices the art of nature journaling herself on a regular basis. Her medium of choice: ink and watercolor,  sometimes with sprinkles of shiny bits.

Member tickets are $15.00; nonmembers are $25.00. Limited to 20 people.

(Member registration opens 11/2; nonmembers 11/9)

Please join Terry Cerisoles for a winter ramble around Kingfisher Pond and part way along the Tupelo Trail. We will set up a spotting scope on the fishing dock by the parking area, in hopes of some ducks or waders to get us started. Then we will begin the Kingfisher Loop trail which totals about 1 mile. Some people may want to return to the parking lot at this point. Those who wish to continue will veer off that trail onto the Tupelo Trail for about another mile through the woods, possibly as far as the cypress swamp, then back. Our total mileage will be 3 – 3.5 miles. A few wet spots, but boots not normally required on these very good trails. Bring the usual: binoculars, bug repellent, water, snack, and dress for the weather. It will probably be chilly, but at least mostly protected from the wind. No Facilities, but plenty of woods for privacy. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water and bug spray.

(Member registration opens 12/7; Nonmembers on 12/14)

This one-mile walk will include a salt marsh, open fields and the Nan LLoyd Nature Trail through a maritime forest.

Ken Adams is an Emeritus Professor of Ecology and is Hilton Head Audubon's Adult Education Chair.

(Member registration opens 12/7; Nonmembers on 12/14)

Through Mary Alice Tartler’s stunning photography, you will be a front-row observer as she unveils the beautiful courtship rituals and drama in the everyday world of an avian rookery. Focusing on our wading birds, discover how they form bonds, prepare to parent, nurture their young and adapt to harsh surroundings. Perfect for new birders and seasoned enthusiasts alike, this class will equip you to observe the breeding season on Hilton Head Island with fresh eyes and a newfound appreciation.

   Mary Alice Tartler

(Member registration opens 12/7; Nonmember on 12/14)

We all know that Pinckney Island is a “happening place” for birds in spring, but it is surprising how many bird species winter there. Join Master Birder Stephen Dickson to find them. We will bird the parking lot for woodpeckers, then proceed to Ibis Pond and vicinity for gallinules, coots, visiting ducks, etc. We will then proceed to Starr Pond, which has fewer birds, but surprises us sometimes. At this point, the group will probably split. Those who have had enough or have other commitments (or if the weather is nasty) will head back to the parking lot, but the hardiest will follow Stephen behind Starr to the back trail (sometimes a bit wet) to Osprey Pond.

Dress for the weather and wear shoes/boots for a walk of about 3 miles. There are no facilities at Pinckney. Definitely bring water and binoculars, and perhaps a snack. There are picnic tables at Ibis Pond, if you want to stop for lunch on your way back to the parking lot.

(Member registration opens 12/7; Nonmembers on 12/14)

 Expert birder and photographer Patty Kappmeyer will lead us for a relaxed, hands-on bird photography workshop designed specifically for beginners! Whether you have a cell phone, point-and shoot camera, or entry-level DSLR, this class will help you get started with bird photography in a fun and supportive environment. We’ll meet at a local birding spot and focus on the basics of composition, lighting, and how to ethically photograph birds without disturbing them. Based on the principles of Flight Through the Seasons, this session will emphasize finding birds, understanding their behavior, and capturing their beauty–no technical jargon, just practical tips to help you take better bird photos. Perfect for anyone who loves birds and wants to capture the moment!

 (Member registration opens 12/7; nonmembers on 12/14)

This 74 acre multi-use park has ball fields, restrooms, etc, but also some nice wooded trails and a largish meadow. It is perfect for a winter amble relatively protected from the weather, looking for birds. While not spectacular for diversity, we should see most of our resident bird species and possibly some interesting visitors. Ken Adams birds there frequently and can show us all the cool places we might not discover on our own.  Directions: If coming from Sea Pines direction, take Rte 278 toward the Cross-Island Expressway. Just before that, take a right at the stoplight for Arrow Rd. If coming from north island or Bluffton, take the Cross-Island Expressway then left at the first traffic light, Arrow Rd. From either direction, once on Arrow, take a quick left onto Helmsman, then right to 4 Haig Point Rd. Crossings Park is next to the Haig Point ferry parking. Meet in the parking lot by the restrooms.  

(Member registration opens 1/4; Nonmember opens 1/11)

Join Master Birders Rachel Green and Karen Seminary for an exciting morning on the 4 mile Laurel Hill Drive. Meet at the entrance on Rte 170, for car-pooling. More eyes looking from fewer cars generally mean more birds spotted!  Cars will drive slowly with frequent stops in favorite places to get out and look into the impoundments, along the dikes, and in the hammocks. Most of the drive is open, so prepare for windy, chilly weather. 

Directions: Take Rte 170 (Okatie Hwy) west from Bluffton toward Savannah (about 6 miles or so).   Rte 170 curves and turns, but Just stay on it! It will eventually join Rte 17, then in about a mile split off again, so keep right to stay on Rte 170.   In about 2 more miles, you will see the entrance to the Laurel Hill Drive on your left, on a curve.  Signal your turn well ahead of time and be CAREFUL.  Rte 170 can be dangerous with logging and other large trucks. [Note that the Visitor Center is on Rte 17, so do not use that in your GPS.]