Hilton Head Island

On February 22 , the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society met at Fish Haul Creek Park to present HHI Mayor Tom Peeples with a check for Audubon's contribution to the cost of the beautifully-done and sturdy interpretive signage by Todd Ballantine. Some 30-40 members and guests watched the ceremonies on a beautiful winter morning with appropriate comments by President Howard Costa, Clem Dietze and Mayor Tom Peeples about the town park and the new signs.

The presentation was followed by a bird walk to view the new signs and of course, look for birds. We birded the park's wooded areas and then on to the Port Royal Sound's mud flats at Fish Haul Creek. We concluded our trip with a visit to the nearby new Michelville Beach Park dedicated just last month.

The group found a total of 44 species of birds. The bird of the day was a Prairie Warbler, not usually seen here until later in the spring when it migrates here for the summer.

Other good birds seen by the group included: American Oystercatcher, Black Skimmer, Marbled Godwit, Short-billed Dowitcher, Forster's Tern, Bonaparte's & Herring Gulls, Clapper Rail (heard), Black Bellied Plover, Rudy Turnstone, Red-shouldered Hawk, White Ibis, Willet, Fish Crow, Boat-tailed Grackle, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Tree Swallow, Cedar Waxwing, Downy Woodpecker and the common Rooster (heard) plus other common species.

It was a very good outing enjoyed by all.

Good Birding,
Jack C.
HHI, SC