November 2023 |
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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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Member and friends of Hilton Head Audubon,
We're thrilled to have you participate in our vibrant birding community here in the Lowcountry. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a newcomer to the world of birding, our chapter has an exciting lineup of programs and events tailored just for you. Get ready to spread your wings and embark on a birding adventure like no other.
Discover the World of Birding
Our chapter is committed to connecting people of all ages and experience levels with the magnificent world of birds. We believe that every feathered friend has a story to tell, and we invite you to join us in unraveling their tales through these exciting opportunities:
Bird Walks
- Join our experienced birding guides for relaxing strolls through the Audubon Newhall Preserve and birding hotspots across different ecosystems and terrains. Experience the joy of spotting migratory birds, seasonal visitors and year-round residents.
- Perfect for beginners, our bird walks offer a chance to learn about bird identification, behavior, and local ecosystems.
Monthly Expert Speaker Series
- Learn from seasoned ornithologists, wildlife experts, biologists and conservationists who will share their knowledge, research, and passion for birds.
- Engage in thought-provoking discussions and expand your understanding of birds and habitat.
Birding Workshops
- Dive deeper into the art of birding with our specialized workshops.
- From beginning birding to master birding classes, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Conservation Initiatives
- Be a part of something bigger by participating in our local and regional bird conservation efforts.
- Contribute to projects that protect and preserve the habitats of our feathered friends.
- Participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count, no experience necessary, and be part of the global community science movement.
Social Events
- Connect with fellow birders at our fun social gatherings and picnics..
- Share your birding stories and make lasting friendships.
Get Involved
- HHA is more than just a birdwatching group; it's a community that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the avian world. Whether you're a family looking for a weekend outing or a dedicated birder hoping to expand your expertise, we welcome you with open wings.
- If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the Volunteer page of our website.
- We welcome contributions for consideration to our Ecobon newsletter, please email your 500 words or less article to hhiaudubon@hiltonheadaudubon.org.
Stay updated and connected by following us on social media, and attending our upcoming events. There's no better time to start your journey with us than now. Let's unite in our passion for birds, deepen our understanding of the natural world, and make a positive impact on bird conservation together. We can't wait to meet you at our next event!
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, November 11th 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 us, and learn about our work. Unless otherwise noted (like for this one), 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.
Thursday, November 2, 10:00 a.m. Hilton Head Island Public Library Free & Open to the Public
Birdwatching and the Christmas Bird Count Presenters: Kay Grinnell Join us for a presentation sponsored by the Hilton Head Island public library.
November Social with Conservation Voters of South Carolina Thursday, November 9, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Hilton Head Brewing Company It’s our annual fall social event: an inside/outside venue filled with bird-lovers sipping their favorite craft beers! Drop by between 3 – 6 pm at this relaxed afternoon event at The Hilton Head Brewing Company, 1 Cardinal Rd #13 on Hilton Head Island. The event is free. Guests will be responsible for their beverages and any accompanying bites. Look for some delicious BBQ! Register here!
This social is an opportunity to refresh your love of birding, rekindle your friendships (and start new ones), and renew your interest in Audubon’s mission to conserve.
Amidst our socializing Hilton Head Audubon President Kay Grinnell will introduce John Tynan of Conservation Voters of South Carolina, who will highlight recent on S.C.’s conservation successes
December Meeting Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head
2023 Christmas Bird Count Our annual Christmas Bird Count meeting is on Thursday, December 7th. Our social begins at 7:00 pm. The presentation, by Master Naturalist Bob Speare, begins at 7:30 pm. Bob is our science advisor for the CBC. He will preview some of the birds we might see on the count and offer ID tips!
You are welcome to bring cookies, etc., for the dessert table, as always. We hope to see you there!
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is an early winter snapshot of bird populations. It is the nation’s longest-running citizen science survey, providing critical data on bird population trends. Each count is done in a 15-mile diameter circle. The count started in 1900 and has grown to include over 2,600 count circles in the Western Hemisphere.
Our Hilton Head count will be on Friday, December 15th, 2023. We identify and count all birds seen or heard in the 24-hour period. Birders of all levels are welcome to participate. For more information, go to https://hiltonheadaudubon.org/
2023 Christmas Bird Count - Hilton Head Count Circle Friday, December 15 This is the 124th year for the Audubon Christmas Bird Count! We are one of over 2,600 count circles in the Western Hemisphere. Our count area is a 15-mile diameter circle covering Hilton Head, Daufuskie and Pinckney Islands, parts of Bluffton and our waterways. On our one-day count, we identify species and count each bird we see or hear. This early winter snapshot of bird populations is the nation’s longest-running citizen science survey. Audubon and other organizations use data collected to assess the health of bird populations, and to help guide conservation action.
Count Day: The Hilton Head area count is on Friday, December 15th. Our 20 Area Captains are putting their teams together. We always welcome more birders, so if you are interested in being a part of this international effort, please e-mail Susan Murphy at HHICBC@gmail.com and she will have a Captain contact you. You do not have to be an accomplished birder. Start out as the recorder or as the photographer in a more experienced group! You can also participate from the comfort of home by being one of our Feeder Watchers.
January Meeting Tuesday, January 9, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Coastal Discovery Museum Free & Open to the Publlic
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.
It includes the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, with over 30,000 acres of vital wildlife habitat.
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.
Documentary Film: Purple Haze Saturday, February 10, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Hilton Head Library Free & Public Welcome This film follows one man’s journey chasing America’s favorite backyard bird, the Purple Martin, halfway around the world and back.
After millions of years of evolution, treacherous migrations, and forming a unique relationship with humans, 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, after spending years guiding folks to North America’s largest Purple Martin roost, 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.
Birding 101 Coastal Discovery Museum Presenter: Master Naturalist Bob Speare 4 spots remain! Master Naturalist Bob Speare has been leading birding and photography tours for over 20 years. He moved to the Lowcountry in 2015 and has continued these programs both locally and abroad.
This introductory course to birding will include four classes at the Coastal Discovery Museum and one field trip on these dates:
January 6 Classroom January 20 Classroom February 3 Classroom February 10 Field Trip February 17 Classroom Birding 101 costs $50 for members and $60 for non-members. Registration is required, please click here to sign up.
March Meeting 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. 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 (shown here), 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, November 11 "Birding and History" at Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park 9:00 a.m. - 11:00am Spots open! Tour Historic Mitchelville, America’s first freedmen’s village, with long-time resident, Master Naturalist, writer and storyteller Rosemary Staples. Learn how the former slaves incorporated their African traditions into their newfound freedom. Hear about their unique Gullah culture and connection with nature along with their symbolic relationship with birds. Explore the maritime forest, marsh, and beach. You’ll see songbirds, shorebirds and perhaps an eagle soaring overhead. Boots or close-toed shoes recommended.
Reservations are necessary and attendees are limited to 20. The cost of field trip is $12. Register here.
Bird Walk: Saturday, November 25 Kingfisher Pond Recreation, Savannah National Wildlife Refuge 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Spots open! Want to work off a little of that Thanksgiving meal? Naturalist Lynn Hodgson will lead a field trip to Kingfisher Pond, with an extension down the Tupelo Trail on Nov 25. We will look for wintering ducks and occasional shorebirds on the Pond, then walk about 1 1/2 miles down the Tupelo Trail through the floodplain forest, returning the same way. Birds may be few along the trail, but it is a beautiful walk and we will do some botanizing along the way. Total distance will be 3 1/2 to 4 miles. Most of the trail is solid and dry with only a few wet spots, most with short boardwalks. While there is little hunting at Kingfisher, winter is hunting season so your leader, at least, will be wearing an orange vest. There are no facilities. Bring water, dress for the weather in layers, and don’t forget your binoculars!
Reservations are necessary and attendees are limited to 12 people. Cost of field trip is $12. Register here.
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South Carolina Audubon Policy Notes By Patty Kappmeyer
Hilton Head Audubon would like to share with our members and friends the policy initiatives that are important to us. Please consider lending your voice to support birds by participating in the 2024 Conservation Coalition Lobby Day February 6th at the State House in Columbia. As more information is available, we will share it with you.
From South Carolina Audubon: As we prepare for the 2024 session, one of the big topics will be the future of the state’s energy policy. This is building off several initiatives developing at the State House. Audubon South Carolina supports the rapid deployment of well-sited renewables to mitigate climate impacts on critical bird habitat now and in the future.
Audubon’s science shows us that two-thirds of North American bird species are at risk of extinction from climate change, including birds like the Red-headed Woodpecker, or Wood Thrush that we enjoy here in SC.
Some good news? South Carolina is making great strides to protect landscapes that store carbon naturally and mitigate flooding through its statewide resilience plan. Maintaining and restoring climate strongholds protect the places that birds need, reduce climate impacts, and build healthier and more resilient communities for people.
Transitioning to clean energy sources that reduce carbon pollution is also key to addressing climate impacts. This transition can support South Carolina’s economy and clean energy is good for people and birds when it is responsibly-sited and designed.
Audubon SC has been working to advance efforts to reform our state’s energy policies to support clean, affordable and reliable energy that meets our state’s needs now and in the future. One way we can do this is by advancing the recommendations within National Audubon Society’s Birds and Transmission report.
Last, but not least, in case you missed it, read our Executive Director’s op-ed discussing why Audubon cares about what happens to the horseshoe crab. |
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Laurel Drive of Savannah NWR Field Trip Report By Lynn Hodson
On October 9, Master Birder Stephen Dickson led a group of 11 participants for a wonderful drive through the Laurel Hill Drive on a beautiful fall day. The drive has been closed for 3 years, due to renovation work on the dikes and water control structures in the Refuge. We are delighted that it is open again, and if possible, better than ever. We met at the Drive entrance for car-pooling. High points for some participants was their first-ever sighting of purple gallinules, and their young. It was exciting to find that they are breeding this far north. For other participants, the high point was watching interacting harriers fly a few circles around each other, very close to our cars. Other special sightings were sora, juv. Black-crowned night heron, a green heron, a late blue-gray gnatcatcher, late American Redstarts, and several common yellowthroats.
Juvenile Purple Gallinule by Lynn Hodson
The group reported 46 species, over 222 minutes! Never allow less than 3 or 4 hours for this tour if you are a serious birder. Thanks, Stephen. |
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Newhall Accomplishments by Bob Clemens
I would like to share a recently prepared listing of our many accomplishments at Newhall since Hurricane Matthew seven years ago this month!
Please check out the list below and join us in a self-congratulatory “pat on the back” for the Hilton Head Audubon Board, the Audubon Newhall Preserve Committee, and our fantastic Newhall Volunteers, who have made so many contributions to our “Hidden Gem!”
Newhall Accomplishments Since Hurricane Matthew: Cleared the Fuel Break around the perimeter of the Preserve. Planted 200 Longleaf Pines Planted nearly 200 native trees and shrubs. Replaced all memorial benches. Completed Greenshields Gate Planted pollinator gardens each year. Garden Pedestals with laminated information pages Continued removal of invasive non-native plants. Labeled and re-labeled native trees, plants, and shrubs in the Preserve. Surfaced Parking Lot with milled asphalt Elevated Branch Wood trail above flood. Added storage area and facilities. Added two new bike racks. Updated/replaced signage. Ran electric power line to pond pollinator gardens. Ran a water line from parking lot to pond pollinator gardens. Added drip irrigation around both pollinator gardens with timers. Placed new bird bath at pond pollinator gardens. Installed a new air compressor and timer for aerator for pond. Expanded number of parking spots in parking lot. Widened road from gate to parking lot. Instituted Regular Monthly Work Days Added new bluebird and owl houses. Added double bulletin board to Welcome Kiosk. Drafted a Management Plan and Committee Action Plan for Newhall. Rebuilt & repainted Pond Deck Lined roadway and parking lot with pine logs Added handicap parking spot and signage. Revised and reprinted Trail Guides (ATAX Grant) Acqired 40V mowers, and tools. Made trails more acessible, ground and marked roots. Relocated Donation Post Extended Weekly Bird Walks to Year-round. Pressure-washed & repainted Pocosin Boardwalk Added four new interpretative panels. Expanded Newhall Committee to add younger members. Hired Summer Intern/Greeter. Added a “People Counter.” Added a Turtle Log” by the pond deck Surfaced Newhall Trail with stone. (Rotary Grant) Refreshed bulletin board content.
Wow!
As a reminder our next Newhall work day is Saturday, November 11th at 8:30 AM-10 AM. |
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What's in the Pluff Mud: A Glimpse into the Lowcountry's Rich Ecosystem by Patty Kappmeyer
When exploring the picturesque shores and marshlands of South Carolina's Lowcountry, you're bound to encounter a unique, muddy phenomenon that may pique your curiosity - pluff mud. To the uninitiated, it may appear as nothing more than a stretch of gooey, silty sediment, but beneath its unassuming surface lies a treasure trove of life that sustains a variety of remarkable shorebirds.
Willet by Patty Kappmeyer
A Vital Ecosystem Pluff mud, known for its distinctive aroma and texture, is a soft, silty sediment found in the intertidal zones and marshes along the coast of South Carolina. This dark, organic-rich mud is a hallmark of the region's estuarine ecosystems and plays a crucial role in supporting an array of organisms that call the Lowcountry home.
The Menu for Shorebirds While it might not look appetizing to the human eye, pluff mud is a veritable buffet for shorebirds, serving as a larder teeming with small invertebrates that make up their primary food source. Here are some of the fascinating organisms that shorebirds find in this mucky haven:
Fiddler Crabs: These small, burrowing crabs are ubiquitous in pluff mud flats. Their distinctive burrows create a patchwork across the mud, and they scuttle around the surface at low tide. Shorebirds, like Red Knots and Willets, eagerly feed on these crabs by plucking them from their burrows or chasing them across the mud.
Marine Worms: Pluff mud is rich in marine worms, including the aptly named lugworms and bloodworms. These squirming creatures create a gourmet feast for species like the Short-billed Dowitcher, which probes the mud with its long, sensitive bill to unearth its prey.
Mollusks: Tiny snails and bivalves inhabit the layers of pluff mud, offering sustenance for birds like Semipalmated Sandpipers and Dunlins. These birds use their slender bills to extract these delectable morsels from the mud's depths.
Amphipods and Isopods: These shrimp-like crustaceans and their relatives are staples of the shorebird diet in the Lowcountry. Birds like the American Avocet sweep through the mudflats, sifting out these tiny invertebrates with their uniquely curved bills.
The Circle of Life Pluff mud is not only a source of nourishment for shorebirds but also an integral part of the Lowcountry's intricate web of life. As birds feed on the pluff mud's inhabitants, they, in turn, become part of the ecosystem, contributing to the region's biodiversity and the intricate dance of predator and prey.
Clapper Rail by Patty Kappmeyer
Next time you find yourself knee-deep in South Carolina's pluff mud, take a moment to appreciate the thriving, hidden world beneath your feet. It's a testament to the natural wonders of the Lowcountry, where even the muddiest places play a vital role in sustaining the rich biodiversity that makes this region so extraordinary. The pluff mud, with all its peculiarities, truly is a living, breathing ecosystem, showcasing the magic of nature's interconnectedness |
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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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