January 2024 |
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Inside this issue:
- What's New
- Upcoming Events
- New & Noteworthy
- Audubon Newhall Preserve
- Feathers Through Our Lenses
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Members and friends of Hilton Head Audubon,
We're thrilled to kick off the New Year with exciting news!
HHA Awarded ATAX GrantHilton Head Audubon has been honored to receive a generous ATAX grant of $20,000 from the Town of Hilton Head. This substantial grant is earmarked for enhancing our community outreach initiatives. The primary focus of this grant is the construction of a new Welcome Kiosk at the Newhall Preserve. This kiosk will not only serve as a warm greeting to visitors but will also play a pivotal role in educating and engaging our community in birdwatching and conservation efforts. Furthermore, the grant will bolster our chapter's digital presence by facilitating the expansion of our social media outreach. This strategic move aims to connect with a wider audience and share our passion for birding and environmental stewardship. Thanks to the Town of Hilton Head's support, the upcoming year holds immense promise for Hilton Head Audubon. We look forward to making these projects a reality and sharing the wonders of birdwatching with our community. HHA Welcomes TJ Jett Named Town of Hilton Head's Chief Environmental OfficerAccording to Town Press Release: Harold “TJ” Jett, a Hilton Head Island native and a seasoned naturalist with extensive experience in environmental program management, has joined the Town of Hilton Head Island as its Chief Environmental Officer. In his capacity within the Town’s Community Development Department, TJ will spearhead initiatives that preserve and protect the Island’s natural environment. His responsibilities include leading, overseeing, and managing the Town’s commitment to environmental sustainability and application of best practices for resiliency, solid waste recycling, and other environmental challenges. TJ brings over 20 years of experience in environmental sustainability, strategic planning, project management, policy development, and environmental education from diverse locations, including the Turks and Caicos; Jamaica, West Indies; Hilton Head Island; and South Florida. Notable achievements in his career include securing Green Globe Certification and Sustainable Tourism Certification while serving as Environmental Director for the Tryall Club in Jamaica. As a Naturalist for Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, he was part of a team that initiated a sustainability program and conducted guided excursions to educate guests about the history and ecology of the Lowcountry barrier islands. Most recently, TJ served as the Science Technician Supervisor for the South Florida Water Management District, ensuring the agency's compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. TJ, the son of well-known Island radio personality Monty Jett, earned a bachelor's degree in marine science from the University of South Carolina. He is also a certified Florida Master Naturalist. Beyond his professional work, TJ enjoys fishing and other outdoor activities and spending time with his family. At the Town of Hilton Head Island, TJ can be reached at TJJ@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or (843) 341-4772.
Save the Date for These Special Events
Join Us for the Conservation Documentary Film, Purple HazeSaturday, February 10, 2024 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Hilton Head Library. Admission is Free but Registration Required. Afterward, we will convene at the Hilton Head Brewing Company for an informal get-together. North America’s largest swallow species, the Purple Martin, has managed to become almost completely dependent on man-made nesting structures to nest & rear their young. Captain Zach Steinhauser has taken it upon himself to chase these birds across their range to understand exactly how this species put themselves in this position and discover a lost culture of bird-loving enthusiasts across the Purple Martin’s range. Zach’s journey takes him across the western hemisphere from the Great Lakes to the Amazon Rainforest all the way to the Sonoran Desert making unexpected connections at every turn. Reception & Presentation by Bruce Beehler, Ornithologist
Friday, April 12 4:00 pm - 6:00 p.m. at the Bluffton Rotary Center. Bruce Beehler is a renowned ornithologist, conservationist, author, and lecturer, currently with the Smithsonian Institution. He once took a 60 Minutes Team to the “edge of the world” in the Foja Mountains of Papa New Guinea where he discovered an unknown bird species and brought back the first-ever photograph of another, thought to be extinct. The author of twelve books, his latest, Birds of North America is set to be released April 9, 2024. His presentation at Bluffton’s Rotary Community Center April 12, assures Lowcountry residents will be among the first to purchase a signed copy of his newest book. Registration is necessary for this event, which has an admission fee of $25. Wine and cheese will be served. Purchase tickets here."Celebrating Naych and B'uhd" hosted by Hilton Head AudubonSave the date! On Tuesday, June 11 Hilton Head Audubon will "take over" the Historical Mitchelville Freedom park with a day of birding and learning in celebration of Juneteenth. Happy Birding!
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Events |
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To view all upcoming events in a calendar format, click here.
Audubon Newhall Preserve Volunteer Work Days Saturday, January 13 at 8:30 AM-10 AM The Audubon Newhall Preserve is a 50 acre nature preserve located at 55 Palmetto Bay Road on the south end of Hilton Head Island. It is owned and operated by Hilton Head Audubon and maintained by a flourishing team of dedicated volunteers. We welcome you to come and join and learn about our work. Unless otherwise noted, we meet the second Saturday morning of each month. Bring gloves and eye protection. Donuts, water, and bug spray will be provided. RSVPs are not necessary but helpful to RClemens318@gmail.com.
January Events Tuesday, January 9, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Coastal Discovery Museum Free & Open to the Public
The Savannah Coastal Refuges Presenter: Russ Webb, Manager The Savannah Coastal Wildlife Refuges encompasses seven National Wildlife Refuges around Savannah, Georgia, including Pinckney Island (accessed before driving across the bridge to Hilton Head Island), Wolf Island, Blackbeard Island, Harris Neck, Wassaw and Tybee Island.
Russ Webb, the Refuges Manager, will discuss changes to the Refuges, management practices for waterfowl and waterfowl that are wintering in the Refuge. Russ is a graduate of Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, GA, and currently resides in Richmond Hill, GA.
Virtual Presentation about Project SNOWstorm Thursday, January 11 , 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Caught in the SNOWstorm: The winter of 2013-14 saw the largest invasion of snowy owls into the eastern United States in perhaps a century — and marked an unprecedented opportunity to learn more about these mysterious Arctic hunters. Via Zoom, author and researcher Scott Weidensaul will share the story of Project SNOWstorm — how a huge, collaborative research effort focused on snowy owls came together in a few frantic weeks, funded with the help of people from around the world, and a decade later continues to make discoveries and unexpected insights into the life and ecology of this great white raptor.
The registration link is below; once you’re registered you will be sent a zoom link for the event. Link to register.
March Events Tuesday, March 12, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Coastal Discovery Museum Free & Open to the Public
The State of Birds Presenter: Kay Grinnell, President of the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society A landmark 2019 study showed the loss of 3 billion birds in the United States and Canada in 50 years. This study begged the questions of why what could be done and led to the newly released State of The Birds Report, which reveals a tale of two trends: one hopeful, one dire. Published by 33 leading science and conservation organizations and agencies, this report reveals insights on trends for our nation’s birds. Kay Grinnell, President of the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society, will present an overview of this report and what can and should be done as a result of this alarming environmental trend.
Wildlife Photography Class Saturday, March 2, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 14 SPOTS OPEN Coastal Discovery Museum Making Beautiful Wildlife Images – Essential Technical, Artistic and Behavioral Tools: Learn creative techniques that will enhance your wildlife photography skills as well as improve your knowledge of wildlife subjects in their natural environments. Experienced wildlife photographer, Mary Alice Tartler, will guide you through understanding your camera, necessary camera equipment, the importance of composition, animal behaviors and environments, and finding wildlife in the Lowcountry. No matter what level of expertise you possess, this class will help prepare you to take your photography to the next level. All nature and wildlife enthusiasts and all levels of photography expertise are welcome to attend. Please bring your camera! ($30 per person – ages 13+, please).
Registration is necessary, click here to sign up. |
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Bird Walks |
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Audubon Newhall Preserve Guided Walks Free guided tours every Tuesday led by Master Birders. Please gather in the parking lot by 8:30 a.m. No registration required.
Bird Walk: Saturday, January 27 Winter on Pinckney Island NWR 6 SPOTS OPEN 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 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 may follow Stephen behind Starr for the back trail to Osprey Pond.
Dress for the weather and wear shoes/boots for a walk of 2-3 miles. There are no facilities at Pinckney so prepare. Definitely bring water and binoculars.
Reservations are necessary, and attendees are limited to 12 people. Cost of field trip is $12. Register here.
Bird Walk: Monday, February 12 Bird Walk for Beginners at Jarvis Creek Park 9 SPOTS OPEN 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Feel like you need some help with the basics? New to birding? New to the area? Please join experienced birder Sarah Gustafson at Jarvis Park on Hilton Head, Sarah will discuss and demonstrate some basic birding skills, such as purchasing, adjusting, and practicing with binoculars, clues for identification,and will provide an introduction to Hilton Head Audubon.
Bring binoculars if you have them. Basic beginner binoculars will be available to borrow if needed. Dress for the weather. Facilities are available at Jarvis, and most walking will be on the paved paths – less than a mile total.
Reservations are necessary, and attendees are limited to 12 people. Cost of field trip is $12. Register here.
Bird Walk: Saturday, February 24 Bear Island 12 SPOTS OPEN 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Bear Island is always one of the highlights of our Field Trip year. We will gather at the entrance, on Titi Road, which faces Mary’s House Pond, where we will set up spotting scopes. Depending on water levels, this pond may have lots of waders and/or ducks, and possibly White Pelicans or Tundra Swans. Then we will drive into the WMA, stopping frequently to look and listen. Bear Island consists of 12,021 acres of brackish water marshes, maritime forests, bottomland hardwoods, upland fields, and water-controlled impoundments, lagoons, etc.
From the Bear Island WMA website: “Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, owned by the SC Department of Natural Resources, is managed to provide quality habitat for wintering waterfowl and other wetland wildlife including threatened and endangered species such as wood storks and bald eagles; to provide habitat for upland game and nongame species; and to provide recreational opportunities for the hunting and nonhunting public. Public hunting on the WMA includes waterfowl (by special drawing only), white-tailed deer, mourning dove and small game. The diverse area provides excellent bird watching, attracting waterfowl, bald eagles, wading birds, shorebirds and song birds.”
The drive from HH is about an hour and a half. There are no facilities once you turn onto Bennett’s Road. The last chance for gas, snacks, bathrooms is a small gas station/store on Rte 17, shortly after the Donnelley entrance. Cost of field trip is $12. Register here.
Optional Extension: Lynn Hodgson will lead this trip, and afterwards expects to continue for an unofficial afternoon of birding in Donnelley WMA. Participants are welcome to follow along. If interested, bring lunch! And plan to keep busy until 3 or later. |
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Christmas Bird Count 2023 by Susan Murphy Bob Speare led the way to prepare us for the Christmas Bird Count at our annual meeting. His presentation was a perfect balance of the history of some of the common species in our area and identification clues for species we would see on the count. There was a lot of enthusiasm among the 90 birders in attendance, many of whom were new to the count.
Count day, Friday, December 15th, was sunny but windy, with temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s. We counted 28,858 birds and 137 species, close to our average numbers. There were 247 field observers on 77 teams and 79 feeder watchers for a total of 326 participants. There were 82 participants who were new to our count.
Bob Speare, our count advisor, observed ”The morning started out cool and breezy, and I feared many of our songbirds might be hunkered down and quiet. But it seems bright skies kept the number of these birds pretty strong. I’m sure teams, like mine, found many sunny spots out of the wind with mixed flocks sunning and feeding. A couple highlights among these species included White-throated Sparrows tallying 49, while 23 Golden-crowned Kinglets were also counted, both 10-year highs.
I mentioned in my presentation that Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks have been on a steep increase since 2019 when only nine birds were counted. That rise continued as 247 were sighted in this year’s count–up 50% from last year’s 164. Additionally, I was pleased to see the number of our other tree-nesting duck, the Wood Duck, at a 10-year high of 219."
Some of the rare or unusual birds on our December count included an Eastern Meadowlark. two Rusty Blackbirds, a Fox Sparrow. a Winter Wren, two female Painted Buntings a Sharp-shinned Hawk, a Northern Harrier, a Loggerhead Shrike and a Red Knot. High count species of over 2,000 birds were Dunlins, Semipalmated Plovers and Red-winged Blackbirds. Rusty Blackbird, Photo by Pippi Itkor, Outside Brands
Along the May River, photo by Lois Lewis
American White Pelicans were reported by 10 different teams, in numbers from 2 to 190. We merged the counts, totaling 505 birds, and reported the highest number seen in one spot, 190. As Robert Rommel explained, White Pelicans fly from their roosting sites into our area to feed in the morning. Their group splits and merges as they fly off in small groups during the day over a miles-wide area.
American White Pelicans, Photo by Peter Cram
American Oystercatcher, Photo by Pippi Itkor, Outside Brands
Bald Eagles numbered 53 after subtracting a few that were determined to be duplicates. You can see more data on each species in the updated 10-Year History of our count, which will be available on our website. Our results will be submitted to the Regional Editor in mid-January and will be final once approved. By next December, we will have the full results from National Audubon for all count circles.
Update on the December 2022 CBC National Audubon has issued their report on the 2022 count, and it is interesting reading available on their website. Thanks to all of your hard work, our Hilton Head CBC had the second highest number of participants of all the 2,625 count circles in the Western Hemisphere! (Our total last year was 379: 280 field observers and 99 feeder watchers.) Overall, there were 79,005 observers across the Western Hemisphere, who counted over 40 million birds. This is similar to the past several seasons, but the national summary discusses the dramatic decline in numbers from 35 years ago.
We could not have such a successful count without the enthusiasm and dedication of our participants and leaders. My special thanks go to our 20 Area Captains who do a superb job of recruiting, organizing and reporting. This includes four boats on our choppy waterways, piloted by generous volunteer boat captains. Our thanks go to The Outside Foundation for sponsoring one of the boats. Special thanks also go to our expert panel (Bob Speare, Robert Rommel and Sarah Gustafson) who reviewed all of the results on a marathon Zoom call with each Area Captain. Thanks to all who contributed!
We will be planning for the next count soon!
Mark your calendars! The next Hilton Head CBC will be Monday December 16, 2024 |
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Osprey Watch 2024 starts in February! by Carol Clemens There is a very active group of 51 volunteers who last season monitored about 78 nesting sites over the course of the season (Feb-mid/late summer). Not all had the pair return and not all were productive, but sites must be monitored for a while to be sure they are not active. 2023 was a good year, with 49 hatchlings and 39 osprey that fledged. They can always use more help! Additional volunteers are needed to monitor new nests, replace nest monitors who won’t be able to monitor their nest in 2024, or serve as a backup monitor. Monitoring involves visiting your nest and reporting to your team leader what you see at least twice a month. Many people enjoy this so much that they report weekly. Everything you need to know about monitoring is provided.
Another very important way to help is to keep your eyes open for new osprey nesting sites. If you spot an osprey nest and are not sure if it is already monitored or if it is new, contact Joanne Voulelis at hhigirl64@gmail.com sending her the exact location. If it is new, Joanne will contact you for specific details as to its precise location, whether it is on a live tree, manmade structure etc.
Recently, Osprey Watch received the following email about our local monitoring group from one of the overseers of the program for the Center for Conservation Biology. She said: "Your monitoring group is second only to NJ dept of wildlife in size and activity. Super impressive!! Hopefully, you know you are the all-time leader of the Osprey Watch leader board! Your contribution is amazing, thank you."
Thank you to all who helped make this Hilton Head Osprey monitoring program 2nd in scope in the country. |
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Book Review: The Secret Perfume of Birds—Uncovering the Science of Avian Scent Danielle J. Whittaker, Auhtor
by Ken Adams “In the fields of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind.” Louis Pasteur, University of Lille, 1854.
About the author Danielle Whittaker’s professional background is in evolutionary biology and her early research was with primates, not birds. Her route to avian research was amazingly circuitous; she did not have a well-thought-out strategy for becoming a scientist. She started college as an English major and then abruptly switched majors to Anthropology. She was clueless about graduate school, but she was persistent and was accepted into a Ph.D. program in the New York Consortium for Evolutionary Primatology. Her doctoral research was on the evolutionary genetics and conservation biology of Kloss’s gibbons in the tropical forests of Indonesia. Then, she got a position as a postdoc studying bird behavior at Indiana University. While a postdoc, Danielle Whittaker began her career in the science of avian scent, studying dark-eyed juncos at the Mountain Lake Biological Station in Virginia.
About the book The career development path of individual scientists can be very subjective, even serendipity. Careers can be strongly influenced by networking with scientists of similar academic training. Careers can also be either encouraged, or discouraged, by chance encounters with professionals with seemingly unrelated backgrounds. All these scenarios influenced Danielle Whittaker’s research in avian chemical ecology.
“Birds don’t have a sense of smell, so I don’t understand why you’d study that anyway.” Fortunately, this comment by a neurobiologist, Dr. Jim Goodson, did not dissuade Dr. Whittaker from beginning her career studying olfaction in birds. It was her consideration of this comment that initiated more rigorous questioning of why juncos choose a specific individual to mate with, and why sometimes they “cheat.” Dr. Whittaker’s research on mate selection by juncos started in collaboration with Dr. Ellen Ketterson’s labs at the Mountain Lake Biological Station in Virginia and Indiana University. Dr. Whittaker’s study of avian chemical communication began with DNA sequencing of immune-related genes (major histocompatibility complex, MHC for short) which were thought to have a role in sexual attraction in many animals. Based on the results of MHC, Dr. Whittaker decided to pursue gas chromatography of volatile compounds in preen oil and eventually the microbiology of preen oil. Dr. Whittaker’s research revealed the complex role of preen oil odor in mate selection by birds; mate selection in birds is not determined only by song and plumage!
Preen oil is secreted by the uropygial gland in birds. The uropygial gland is located on a bird’s back, at the base of the tail. By chance, Danielle Whittaker met Dr. Kevin Theis, a microbiologist who suggested that perhaps bacteria in uropygial glands produced the various odors in preen oil. To their surprise, they found a diverse bacterial community in preen oil.
More research is needed to clarify the role of preen oil odor in mate selection by both male and female birds, but it’s clear that sexual attraction between birds is strongly influenced by the odor of preen oil. The book gets a bit “science-wonky” in parts (the glossary is 14 pages and there are 37 pages of scientific references), but the side stories of Dr. Whittaker’s personal life and the sociology of scientists are revealing in many ways. The reader will be amazed at the large number of scientists across the world who are studying chemical ecology in birds! |
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Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Bird Sound Apps: A Closer Look at Apps Like Merlin ID by Patty Kappmeyer Birdwatching has seamlessly blended with modern technology through the advent of bird sound identification apps like Merlin ID. These applications, designed to assist birders in identifying species by their calls and songs, have revolutionized the birding experience. However, as with any technological advancement, ethical considerations become paramount to ensure that the benefits of these apps don't inadvertently harm the very creatures they seek to celebrate.
At the heart of ethical birding lies the principle of minimizing disturbance to wildlife. Merlin ID users are granted the ability to play recorded bird sounds in the field to attract or identify species. While this can be an invaluable tool, it's crucial to exercise restraint. Overusing bird sound apps, especially during critical phases of a bird's life such as breeding or nesting, can lead to unnecessary stress and disruption. Responsible birders recognize the need to balance their desire for an optimal birding experience with the welfare of the birds they seek to observe.
Understanding the potential impact on vulnerable or endangered species is another key ethical consideration. Birders must be cognizant of the species present in a given area and exercise caution when using sound playback. Endangered or sensitive species may be more susceptible to disturbances and attracting them with playback could disrupt their natural behaviors or expose them to additional stressors. Ethical bird watchers prioritize the well-being of the birds and ecosystems they explore over obtaining a particular sighting.
National parks, as havens for biodiversity and natural beauty, often have specific regulations governing the use of electronic devices, including bird sound identification apps. It is imperative for birders to familiarize themselves with the rules of the specific national park they intend to visit. These regulations may include restrictions on the use of playback devices in certain areas or during particular times to prevent undue disruption to wildlife. Complying with these guidelines not only ensures a respectful birding experience but also contributes to the broader conservation efforts aimed at preserving these pristine environments.
In addition to following rules and guidelines, ethical birders leverage the knowledge gained from bird sound apps to contribute positively to conservation initiatives. Sharing findings with local birding communities and participating in citizen science projects allow bird watchers to play an active role in understanding and protecting avian populations. This collaborative approach enhances our collective understanding of bird behaviors, migration patterns, and population dynamics, contributing valuable data to ongoing conservation efforts.
As technology continues to advance, the ethical use of bird sound apps becomes an integral aspect of responsible bird watching. Striking a balance between the desire to observe and the imperative to protect requires mindfulness, respect for wildlife, and a commitment to preserving the delicate ecosystems that birds call home. In embracing these ethical principles, birders can ensure that the harmonious coexistence of technology and nature remains a cornerstone of the birding experience for generations to come. |
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Newhall Work Day by Bob Clemens Nine volunteers showed up to beautify the already beautiful Audubon Newhall Preserve on Saturday, December 9th. We did a good deal of cleanup on the road to the parking lot, the Newhall trail, and around the Audubon Pond, hauling three truckloads of limbs and debris to the collection area.
Appearing below are Tom Marko, David Buzzard, Jim Reynolds, Lynn Hodgson, Julia Buzzard, Sal Gioia, Karen Lucey, and Greg Riss. Camera-shy Fearless Leader Bob Clemens took the photo.
Our next workday will be from 8:30 to 10 AM on Saturday January 13th. RSVPs are not necessary, but helpful to Bob Clemens at rclemens318@gmail.com.
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The Joy of Slow Birding by Patty Kappmeyer There is a chill in the air this New Year. The thermometer reads 42 degrees, with a light wind that makes it feel even colder, a mere 36 degrees. Undeterred by the cold snap, the backyard birds, residents and wintering visitors put on a show that warmed my heart..
The performance began just after the first light at 6:58 am, with the appearance of a wintering visitor, the elusive Hermit Thrush. This dapper bird with its pale pink legs, graced the birdbath with its presence, delicately sipping water and indulging in a refreshing bath. Preening its feathers with meticulous care, the Hermit Thrush seemed to savor the tranquil start to the day. Amidst the backdrop, the distant calls of Northern Cardinals sang in harmony, setting the stage for the next actors in this avian drama. Enter the Chipping Sparrows, a lively flock scattered across the ground, foraging among the dead leaves and debris. Their energetic presence added a touch of vivacity to the serene morning. Hermit Thrush photo by Patty Kappmeyer
The scene took an unexpected turn as American Crows perched in the sweet gum tree erupted into a cacophony, alerting everyone to the passing of a Red-Shouldered Hawk on the horizon. The disturbance spurred a morning feeding frenzy at the bird feeders, with Eastern Bluebirds showing a particular fondness for the mealworm suet block.Joining the feast, a few Palm Warblers scattered among the Chipping Sparrows on the ground, showcasing the diversity of winter visitors. Meanwhile, a pair of Red-Bellied Woodpeckers showcased their acrobatic skills, climbing up the hickory tree before one flew off to feed the large bird feeder. Chipping Sparrow photo by Patty Kappmeyer
The Downy Woodpeckers, with their distinctive markings, favored the large seed block, while the regular visitors—Carolina Chickadees and Tufted Titmice—made their customary appearances. A Carolina Wren flitted among the bushes, its presence almost musical in the crisp morning air. The symphony continued with the noisy arrival of House Finches and the gentle cooing of Mourning Doves, ground feeders partaking in the feast laid out by nature. The grand finale featured a pair of Pine Warblers and a lone American Goldfinch, completing the vibrant ensemble of feathered visitors.
In the quiet solitude of the early morning, discover the beauty of slow birding in your own backyard. The joy of observing birds unfolds at a leisurely pace, transforming ordinary moments into memories – from the delicate sips of the Hermit Thrush in the birdbath to the lively chatter of Chipping Sparrows on the ground.
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Joining HHIAS or renewing your membership is easy, click here to complete the online forms. Please consider a contribution beyond the basic annual membership level to support our mission. A reminder that Gift memberships are available for purchase, click here.
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DonationsHilton Head Audubon accepts donations online, using Venmo, or by mailing a check. Donations can also be made in honor or memory of someone by following the instruction on the form. Donate online. Donate by mail.Donate by Venmo. If you have Venmo, scan the Venmo QR code or go onto the Venmo app and find us by typing “HHI Audubon Society” or “@HHIAudubon”. We use our donations to support: advocacy regarding conservation/birding in our region, providing birding education programs to area schools, maintaining and interpreting through signage and tours of the Audubon Newhall Preserve, managing the annual Christmas Bird Count, actively participating in regional Citizen Science programs, and increasing awareness about local conservation projects or concerns.
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