(Member registration opens 3/2; nonmembers on 3/9.)
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a “Happening place” in the birding spring. Many of our waders (herons, egrets, night-herons, ibis) as well as anhingas, grackles, and smaller songbirds breed here.
Join Master Birder Stephen Dickson in the parking lot, near the trail to Ibis Pond. We will stroll to the pond to view the action. Walking areas around the ponds are mowed for easy (and safe) viewing. Along the way, we will pick up some recent arriving songbirds, such as painted buntings and blue-gray gnatcatchers. We usually continue to Starr Pond, so that our total mileage is about 2 l/2 miles, most of it on a gravel/dirt road or mowed grass. Woodland birds, winter residents, common gallinules, wintering ducks, etc. make this visit a joy any time of year. But it is a really “happening place” for breeding birds from about mid-April through May.
Optional: Depending on interest, weather, etc., some of the group may wish to continue through the woods behind Starr to visit Osprey Pond, adding about a mile to the total.
Directions: Pinckney is located between Hilton Head and Bluffton, SC, with entrance on Rte 278 on the Bluffton side of the bridge. This is a dangerous, fast road, so be alert. There are no restrooms at Pinckney, just convenient woods. Be sure to bring a snack, water, sunblock, bug repellent; dress for the weather (hat, sunglasses?). Remember there are alligators in the ponds (so keep your distance!) and ticks in the woods.
Tickets are $12.00 for Members and nonmembers.
