E cobon

September 2008:
No. 293

Newsletter of the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society

Audubon Refuge Keepers

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE september Program

By Bill Nicol Tuesday, September, 2008, 7:30 pm at the Seabrook
September 9 marks the resumption of our Audubon meetings after being
This is my first message as your new off for the summer. Patrick Moore, the South Coast Director for the Coastal
president. I am taking over a fiscally sound,
Conservation League in Beaufort, will address the proposal to deepen the Sa-
viable chapter from Howard Costa who did
vannah River all the way to Garden City. This proposal would bring saltwater
a great job for two years. Howard brought
into the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge and change the refuge from an
some unique capabilities and experience
to the chapter and we are better off for internationally significant freshwater center of bird and wildlife diversity into a
his efforts. He will remain active as a saltwater tolerant monotype habitat. The refuge and its bird populations would
board member at large and the head of our be changed forever. There is also a proposal to put a port on the Jasper County
Shorebird Conservation effort. When you side of the Savannah River. The Coastal Conservation League and other con-
see Howard, please thank him for all he has servation groups are working to insure the best possible design for the port in
done. order to protect endangered wildlife. And what about the quality of our drink-
ing water from the Savannah River?
You can tell summer is drawing to a
close. School has opened, people who Patrick Moore earned his law degree from the University of South Carolina
have left for the summer are wandering School of Law in 2005 and his Masters in Environmental Law that same year.
back, Jack Colcolough and others are see- He has worked for CCL for 3 years in the areas of Land Use, Water Quality,
ing the first migrating birds, and it is time River Restoration, and Legislative Affairs. He enjoys being outside with his
to renew our meeting schedule. Charlotte wife Beth and weiner dog mutt Walter.
White promises a good slate of programs
and if our first program is any indication, To learn more about the various interests in the deepening of the Savannah
we are in for a great year. One of my goals River and how is can affect humans, wildlife and habitat, come to this meet-
this year is to strengthen our community ing on Tuesday, September 9, WITH A FRIEND, at 7:30 p.m. program at the
involvement. We have many opportuni- Seabrook, 300 Woodhaven Drive, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. And wel-
ties to talk to various community groups come back to this great group with a full year of learning and activities ahead!
but right now we don’t have the right or
enough people to handle all these requests.
Your board will be developing a strategy to
improve our capabilities.
Swallow-tailed Kites
We do have vacancies in a couple key
areas. With the passing of June Collins we Photos courtesy
need a Historian. The Historian maintains of Howard Costa
all the pertinent records for our chapter. We
also need a Field Trips Coordinator. This
person sets up the schedule for the year and
registers people for the various trips but
does not have to lead the trips. We have
many experienced members who will help
set the schedule and lead field trips once
they are scheduled. If you can help with
any of these functions or have any questions
about what is involved please contact me.
See you at the meetings and bring a
friend.
 HHI Audubon ECOBON PROFILE by Betty Walter
Board of Directors:
President
Bill Nicol 671-4721 Fran & Denny Baer
Vice President
Ken Neitzke 705-3970 Retired? Not exactly!
Treasurer
Karen McGinty 681-8498 Having lived and worked in
Fran Baer 686-6348 Atlanta for 28 years and vaca-
Recording Secretary tioned here often, they moved
Steve White 837-4597
Corresponding Secretary here to relax. Fran worked
Sherman Baker 342-6596 for Coca-Cola and Denny for
Members‑at‑Large Ralston Purina, both in quality
Howard Costa 842-9447
Jim Currie 681-8525 assurance areas.
Marianne Currie 681-8525
Clem Dietze 837-2612 They worked hard all those
Barry Lowes 671-3537 years. Who knew they would
Nan Lloyd 363-2092
Betty Walter 842-7147 soon be insuring quality in their
Joan Wilson 837-2874 new community. Fran would
Committee Chairpersons: become co-treasurer of our
Adopt-A-Refuge (Pinckney) Audubon Chapter and sit on the
Clem Dietze 837-2612
Karen McGinty 681-8498 board. They knew they would
Audubon Newhall Preserve be birding. A friend got them into that in Atlanta but they didn't know they would be
Joan Shulman 842-9246 transporting injured raptors as volunteers for Dr. Ben Parker to various Raptor Cen-
Bird Walks/Field Trips ters, perhaps picking up injured birds with a net and heavy gloves and driving many
OPEN
Bird House Construction miles to places where birds of prey can be cared for. They knew that they liked to take
Jim Collins 671-1240 pictures but had no idea that one of Fran's photos taken (of birds, of course) would be
Bird Seed Sale published in the Island Packet and that as a result they would join the Camera Club and
Ed Nash 681-5725
Christmas Bird Count become very active. They didn't know that this Chapter's field trips would give them
Barry Lowes 671‑3537 opportunities to photograph birds seen on those trips and that they could study them at
Education home.
Mary Jane Major 342-5804
Historian Fran says Denny is a wonderful spotter of birds in the field as well as a music lover
OPEN and guitar player. They both like kayaking and work for their Property Owner's As-
Hospitality
Thea Luba 785-3214 sociation.
Legislation Do you think they have retired?
Kay Hodnett 342-7485
Membership
Thea Luba 785-3214
Newsletter Circulation
Marianne Currie 681-8525
Helen Cartmill 342-9086
Newsletter Editor
Joan Wilson 837-2874
Programs
Charlotte White 837-4597
Publicity & Public Relations
Clem Dietze 837-2612
Sales Table
OPEN 686-6406
Shorebirds/Conservation
Howard Costa 842-9447
Special Projects
Richard Shulman 842-9246
Sun City Representative
Kevin Cahill 705-3570
Wetlands/Conservation
Sally Krebs H: 757-2973 O: 341-4690
Website: www.hiltonheadaudubon.org Prothonotary
The Ecobon is a monthly publication (September through May) of
the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society. Subscription is a benefit
Warbler
of membership. Direct inquiries to P.O. Box 6185, Hilton Head Photo courtesy
Island, South Carolina 29938 or call one of the above officers
or chairpersons. of Howard Costa

Page 2 September 2008

NOTES FROM THE NEWHALL PRESERVE recent AREA bird sightings
by Joan Shulman
WANTED: Volunteers to be Trail Monitors in the Preserve in
November, December, and January. Please call me at 842-9246 if
you can help out.
Despite the high temperatures and thunderstorms, a substantial
number of people toured the Preserve over the summer. Only a few
signed the visitor’s book, but the supply of Trail Guides had to be
replenished each week, so we know there were lots of visitors.
The Beauty Berry bushes on the edges of the parking lot should
be spectacular by October or earlier. The berries are abundant and
are beginning to show color.
A fairly large tree has fallen over the entrance to the pine flat-
woods area. As soon as we can, we will have it taken down to un-
block the path. Trees have also fallen over a couple of the trails,
but they can easily be stepped over or gotten around. They will be
cut up soon and the pieces carted away.
Several area garden clubs have asked for guided tours of the
Preserve this fall. Thank goodness for walk leaders Betty Treen
and Mary Alice Walker. We try to accommodate any group that
would like a tour of the Preserve to learn about the plants and
ecological systems in it.
Thanks to Fran and Denny Baer for monitoring the trails in
August.
Loggerhead Strike
~ Photo above courtesy of Denny Baer
September 2008 Page 3
by Jack Colcolough
Our fall migration is off to a good start and it’s a great time
to venture outdoors for some pleasant birding with hints of
fall in the air. Some of our wintering shorebirds are already
showing up on our beaches.
Early first-of the-season migrants already sighted in early
August include: Prairie, Black& White and Yellow Warblers
and American Restart (four reports already).
Good birds reported over the summer were: rare Reddish
Egret at Turtle Island, uncommon Swallow-tailed & Mississippi
Kites, first breeding Black-necked Stilts at Savannah NWR, rare
Black-bellied Whistling Duck in Savannah, Purple Gallinule,
Least Bittern, Glossy Ibis, Loggerhead Shrike, Orchard Oriole
and Painted Bunting.
Late spring reports (no Ecobon during the summer months)
included: rare Bachman’s Sparrow, rare Roseate Spoonbill in
Hilton Head Plantation, uncommon Rose-breasted & Blue
Grosbeaks, migrating Bobolinks, uncommon Swainson’s
Thrush, Eastern Wood Pewee, Red-headed Woodpecker,
American Redstart (only one), a rare American Golden Plo-
ver at Tybee Beach, rare Hooded & Prothonotary Warblers,
rare Scarlet & Summer Tanagers, Spotted Sandpiper, Indigo
Bunting, rare Yellow-breasted Chat and uncommon Baltimore
Oriole.
Two out-of-season birds were reported: a very late Yellow-
rumped Warbler in mid June and an American Robin in late
July. Also a first ever known parasitic Brown-headed Cowbird
chick being fed and mothered by a Painted Bunting.
Thanks for the many enthusiastic reports by: Peter Zach-
mann, Howard Costa, Doris McCullough, Judy Lundin, Royce
Hough, Clem Dietze, Annette Hausman, Hank Swift, Diane
Faucette, Richard Shulman, Doris Stoner, Barry Lowes, Jim
Grove, Dottie Bass, Fran/Denny Baer, et al.
To report a rare, unusual or first-of-the-year or -season bird
sighting in our area, please e-mail Jackcolcolough@aol.com,
call 843-689-3455 or send a blank e-mail to: Birding Friends-
subscribe@yahoogroups.com to join our birding group and
report the bird.
Good birding to all!
E-MAIL Reminder
Have you sent your E-mail address in to Nan?
If not, please send it to Nan
at nan@nanhiltonhead.com.

Celebrate the 6th Annual
Georgia’s Colonial Coast
Birding and Nature Festival
October 9 – 13, 2008
at
Jekyll Island, GA
HELPING THE BIRDS
Many of you know that veterinarian Dr. Benjamin Parker of Bluffton treats
injured birds. On occasion his office has a requirement to transport injured
birds, mostly raptors, to the Raptor Center in Charleston. The injured birds
are secured in transportation containers that will fit in most cars. The Raptor
Center people will usually meet you halfway. If you can help in the trans-
portation effort, please call Ashley Fallis in Dr. Parker’s office at 757-1112
and have her put you on the list of people to call when they have an injured
bird transportation requirement.

Field trips, Birding and Nature Bachman’s Sparrow, taken at Webb Wildlife Management Area.
Seminars, Live raptor shows,
Family activities, Exhibit hall for
conservation groups, artists, op-
tics, high tech toys and more

Keynote Speaker – Pete Dunne

For registration information:

www.coastalgeorgiabirding.org
or e-mail
info08@coastalgeorgiabirding.org
or call
1-877-4Jekyll

~ Photo above courtesy of Howard Costa

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Please Note: Current members are encouraged to use this membership form to sign up friends, relatives, and neighbors as new
members. Our Chapter benefits significantly from a “return of dues” from National if our local form is used for new memberships

National Audubon Society Chapter

Membership Form  New  1 YR. - $20  2 YRS. - $30
NEW MEMBERS ONLY  Senior  1 YR. - $15  2 YRS. - $30
 Junior  1 YR. - $15  2 YRS. - $30
Name _ ______________________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________State__________ Zip_ ________________
Phone__________________________ Preferred First Name(s) ____________________________
Full Year Resident ______ Part Year Resident ______ I/We first joined Audubon in _______________
Mail a check payable to National Audubon Society U50
National Audubon Society, Chapter Membership Data Center, P.O. Box 51001, Boulder, CO 80322-1001 7XCH

Page 4 September 2008

 OUR MISSION
is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds,
other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity
and the earth's biological diversity.

Festival Centre at Indigo Park Feeders, Nest Boxes,

45 Pembroke Dr., Suite 130 Seed, Field Guides,
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Bird Baths, Gifts,
843-681-4461
Toys & Much More

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• Field Guides • Bird Feeders & Houses
• Nature Books • Bird Baths & Fountains
Brunton & Meade Optics
• Nature Gifts • Water Gardening Supplies Audubon Society Members
always 10% discount storewide!
We Bring People And Nature Together®
Visit us at www.wbu.com J-2 Village at Wexford • Hilton Head Island • 785-4311

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TUESDAY - WINE NIGHT
WEDNESDAY - MARGARITA NIGHT
THURSDAY - LIVE MUSIC

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LOCATED OUTSIDE HILTON HEAD PLANTATION

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Clem Dietze Beautiful Landscaping.
President HHI Audubon 2005-06 & Board Member Your source for plants that will attract birds
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Now in association with Island Travel
Island Packet's winner - Favorite Travel Agency Mon.-Fri.
Hilton Head 8:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
Luxury & Expedition Port Royal Plaza
785-3848 Saturday
Cruises - Escorted (near Sam's Club) 9 A.M.-4:30 P.M.
& Independent Tours 681-3033 Bluffton ® Sunday
Clem is a Nature &
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Clem Home 837-2612
clemd@hargray.com 837-3848 the greenery, inc. 12-4:30 P.M.

September 2008 Page 5


293 Issue #:
Hilton Head, South Carolina 29938
P.O. Box 6185
Hilton Head Island Audubon Society Organization:
Monthly Sept.-May Frequency:
September 2008 Issue Date:
Permit #39
Ecobon Title:
Hilton Head Island, SC
PAID
U.S. POSTAGE Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29938
Non Profit Organization
P. O. Box 6185
Ecobon

SEPTEMBER ~ OCTOBER 2008 Calendar

0
SEPTEMBER BE Q U ESTS
Thurs. Sept. 4 Board Meeting at the Seabrook .......................... 2:00 pm If you wish to honor a family
Tues. Sept. 9 Monthly Meeting at the Seabrook . .................... 7:30 pm member or friend with a memorial
gift, or remember the Audubon Ne-
whall Preserve or the Hilton Head
Island Audubon Society in your will,

b
your gift may be in the form of secu-
rities, cash, life insurance, real estate,
or other property.
Contact your own estate planner
octoBER or our Audubon Chapter at P.O. Box
Thurs. Oct. 9 Board Meeting at the Seabrook .......................... 2:00 pm 6185, Hilton Head Island, South
Carolina 29938.
Thurs. Oct. 14 Monthly Meeting at the Seabrook . .................... 7:30 pm
Sharing your estate with Audubon
not only reduces the taxes on your
estate but will help protect birds,
Monthly meetings of the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society are regularly scheduled wildlife, and their habitat in the years
at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, September through May, in the to come.
Auditorium at the Seabrook, 300 Woodhaven Drive. Members and guests welcome!

Page 6 Printed on recycled paper September 2008