E cobon
May 2008:
No. 292
Newsletter of the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society
Audubon Refuge Keepers
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
By Howard Costa
Here we are, my last president’s
message. I must say, it is with a great
deal of satisfaction that I have arrived at
this point. I’m sure the past presidents
would agree, the position is a lot of hard
work, but it is good work. We have ac-
complished much - great programs, great
field trips, meaningful special projects,
and Newhall looking better than ever.
I feel the club is on excellent footing
to continue fulfilling our mission in the
future, and this gives me the greatest
satisfaction. I have said repeatedly that
Audubon is about birds first, conservation
second, but perhaps most importantly, it is
about our members. We really have a stel-
lar group, both on the board and amongst
our general membership. I appreciate the
participation and contributions from all
of you. It has been a great pleasure to be
your president. Thank you for what you
have given Audubon and me.
I would also like to thank Taldi Walter
for the excellent program on Alaska last
month, and to remind you of her message.
Our national forest, parks, and refuges be-
long to all of us, and therefore our voices
regarding their use are equally relevant,
regardless of which state they may lie in.
It does make a difference to let your voice
be heard.
Good luck to Bill Nicol, our new
president, and to all of the other officers
and board members - may they have great
success. See you at the picnic, with a
friend, and have a great summer ~ fort, please call Ashley Fallis in Dr. Parker’s office at 757-1112 and have her put
Howard
MAY Program
Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 5:30 pm
IT'S PICNIC TIME AGAIN!
When: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Where: Fish Island Picnic Pavilion in Sea Pines Forest Preserve
(Use Ocean Gate)
Cost: $5.00
For reservations please sign up by calling Bill Nicol at 671-4721 or pennst63@
aol.com.
Menu: Chicken- fried and rotisserie, plus the great side dishes, salads and des-
serts brought by those who attend. (See below)
Paper goods and tableware are provided as are water and soft drinks. Those
with last names beginning with A-M please bring a side dish or salad.
N-Z, please bring a dessert. These should each serve six to eight people and
bring along serving utensils. Hope to see everyone there!
FIELD TRIPS by Bill Nicol
There will be not be a scheduled field trip in May, since we have the picnic
in Sea Pines Forest Preserve; however, there will be opportunities for some
birding before and after the picnic if you wish. We will have a spotting scope
available.
Since I am moving up to president of the local Audubon Chapter, I must
give up my job as Bird Walks/Field Trip Coordinator. We do need someone to
take over this job. We try to have at least one overnight trip during the Audubon
meeting season and at least one day trip during the months we do not have an
overnight trip. If you can help in our field trip effort or have any questions about
what is required please give me a call at 671-4721.
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 transportation ef-
you on the list of people to call when they have an injured bird transportation
requirement.
 HHI Audubon A Rewarding Response to the
Board of Directors:
President
Howard Costa 842-9447 Great Backyard Bird Count Program in our Schools!
Vice President
Bill Nicol 671-4721 Dear Mr. Neitzke, I enjoyed the presentation very much. I would not have been
Treasurer able to observe the bird slidshow/presentation, if you had not left bird slides for
Karen McGinty 681-8498
Fran Baer 686-6348 Mrs. Lewis to present. I know it was very hard work putting together the pre-
Recording Secretary sentation. I thank you for taking the time to create it though! It was a wonderful
Steve White 837-4597
Corresponding Secretary learning experience!
Polly Herron 342-6129
Members‑at‑Large You're not going to believe this story, it's that hilarious! It was during this past
Jim Currie 681-8525
Marianne Currie 681-8525 summer and my family was woken up by a friend. This friend happened to be a
Clem Dietze 837-2612
Barry Lowes 671-3537 male cardinal. I could tell because of how last year I learned the male is bright
Nan Lloyd 363-2092 red and he sings. When I say last year, I mean the last presentation. Anyway,
Betty Walter 842-7147
Joan Wilson 837-2874 he kept running into the window. We thought he was hurt. Every morning he
Committee Chairpersons: would wake my whole family with his banging into the window. Everytime we
Adopt-A-Refuge (Pinckney) checked to see if he was okay, he would just fly away. One day I tried to look up
Clem Dietze 837-2612
cardinals in our bird book. I went online and found out that they see their reflec-
Karen McGinty 681-8498
Audubon Newhall Preserve tions. I just got a kick out of that and I hope you did too! Once again, thanks so
Joan Shulman 842-9246 much for organizing the slideshow for us! I look forward to counting the birds!
Bird Walks/Field Trips
Bill Nicol 671-4721 From, Emily Crick
Bird House Construction
Jim Collins 671-1240 Dear Ken, Thank you for organizing the Great Backyard Bird Count presentation
Bird Seed Sale
Ed Nash 681-5725 for our students at Hilton Head Middle School. The Shulmans, Marianne and
Christmas Bird Count Mary Jane did a great job at capturing the kids' attention. In this day and age, that
Barry Lowes 671‑3537
Education
is no small task! Many students have rushed up to tell me about a bird encounter
Betsy Pehrson 689-2243 they've had as a result of the slide show. I took my classes outside around the
Historian campus last week to give them a taste of real bird counting. I am looking forward
June Collins 671-1240
Hospitality to reporting their lists, along with my own, next week. We appreciate your efforts
Thea Luba 785-3214 for our young people and for our birds. Sincerely, Lois Lewis and HHIMS
Legislation
Nicola Jordan 681-5664
Membership
Thea Luba 785-3214
Newsletter Circulation
Marianne Currie 681-8525
Audubon Adventures
Pat Marks 689-6876
Newsletter Editor
Named Among the Year's
Joan Wilson 837-2874
Programs Most Outstanding
Charlotte White 837-4597
Publicity & Public Relations
Clem Dietze 837-2612
Educational Products
Sales Table
Dorothy Gibb 686-6406
Shorebirds/Conservation Audubon Adventures was named a finalist for the 2008 Distinguished
Howard Costa 842-9447 Achievement Awards yesterday by the Association of Educational Publish-
Special Projects
Richard Shulman 842-9246 ers. The Distinguished Achievement Awards (DAAs) recognize outstanding
Sun City Representative educational resources within the categories of Curriculum, Periodicals, and
Ken Neitzke 705-3970
Wetlands/Conservation
Professional Development. Audubon Adventures was named a finalist in
Sally Krebs H: 757-2973 O: 341-4690 the "Whole Publication" category for an audience of Grades K - 5. Last
Website: www.hiltonheadaudubon.org year, improvements were introduced to give "Audubon Adventures" greater
The Ecobon is a monthly publication (Sep-
tember through May) of the Hilton Head Island
visual impact, thereby increasing its appeal to children. This was the pub-
Audubon Society. Subscription is a benefit of
membership. Direct inquiries to P.O. Box 6185,
lication's first redesign in 5 years, and it resulted in a new set of guidelines
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29938 or call
one of the above officers or chairpersons.
and standards for its writers and designers.

Page 2 May 2008

NOTES FROM THE NEWHALL PRESERVE recent AREA bird sightings
by Joan Shulman
The variety and lushness of the spring flowers in the Preserve
are a new gift each year. The fetterbush blossoms seemed to me
to be especially abundant. You missed a special experience if you
did not take time for a walk in the Preserve in April.
Thanks to Mike Jukofsky (MAJ Enterprise), we no longer have
large puddles in the parking lot after a rain. Mike scraped the
surface and filled in low spots with gravel--all gratis.
Thanks also to Mary Alice Walker for creating and placing
the identification signs near the plants, shrubs, and trees in the
Preserve. Many visitors comment that the signs are greatly ap-
preciated.
We need Trail Monitors for May, June, July, and September. If
you can help out, please call me at 842-9246.
While looking over the Visitor’s Comment Book from the first
part of 2008, I noted a few comments to share.
January 1 “This place will forever live in my memory.”
R.M. of Chicago
January 8 “This island is full of beautiful places; one after
another.” A &A L. of Far Rockaway, NJ
January 24 “The forest scape here is as beautiful as the
oceanside to our eyes. Thanks to the donors and
volunteers who made it possible.”
J & J W. from near Ottawa, Canada
PERMANENT PROTECTION FOR
THE ARCTIC COASTAL PLAIN
Called “America’s Serengeti” for its tremendous bi-
ological productivity and diversity, the coastal plain of
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most
intact and untouched ecosystems in America. The ref-
uge is home to 42 mammal species, including the more
than 120,000 head Porcupine caribou herd; 36 species
of fish; and over 160 species of birds. Many of these
birds migrate to the coastal plain from all fifty states
and from six continents to feed and reproduce, taking
full advantage of the burst of biological growth which
blossoms here in the long days of the Arctic summer.
There is currently legislation in both chambers of
Congress that would permanently protect the coastal
plain as wilderness. Please urge your senators and
your representative to grant the Arctic Refuge perma-
nent protection once and for all.
May 2008 Page 3
by Jack Colcolough
Spring has come in with a bang and many of our birders
have enthusiastically reported their “First-Of-The-Year”
(FOTY) birds. Migrating and summer birds continue to ar-
rive in our area while the winter birds continue to depart.
Two late sightings of rare Sandhill Cranes were reported.
These are the first ever spotted on HHI to my knowledge.
Several other sightings of this bird were reported this winter
in the nearby Palm Key/Knowles Island area.
A rare female Ruff (Reeve) was found in public SC wet-
lands near the Savannah Spoils Site. Two additional Ruffs
have since been reported in SC.
Other interesting sightings were: a rare Swainson’s Thrush
at the Sea Pines Forrest Preserve, a rare Calliope Hum-
mingbird near Savannah, GA, an early uncommon Purple
Gallinule at the Savannah NWR, an uncommon American
Bittern at HHP’s Whooping Crane Conservancy and a Swal-
low-tailed Kite.
Three Bald Eagle sightings were reported on island.
Newly fledged eaglets accompanied adults on two of the
finds.
Many “uncommon” FOTY birds were found including:
Magnolia & Prairie Warblers, Northern Waterthrush, Sedge
Wren, Purple Finch, Baltimore Oriole, Loggerhead Shrike,
Caspian Tern, Red Knot and Merlin.
Other good FOTY birds were: beautiful Prothonotary
Warbler, Northern Parula, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-
crowned Night Heron, Green Heron, Cattle Egret, Red-eyed
Vireo, Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher,
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Painted & Indigo Buntings,
Chuck-will’s-widow, Eastern Kingfbird and Red-breasted
Merganser.
Thanks to all those reporting these sightings: Miriam
Waterhouse, Barry Lowes, Howard Costa, Doris Stoner,
Peter Zachmann, Dianne Faucette, Doris McCullough, Fran
Baer, Denny Baer, Richard Shulman, Hank Swift, Dottie
Bass,and Roger/Shelia Johnson.
To report a rare, uncommon or FOTY bird sighting e-mail:
jackcolcolough@aol.com, call 290-1508 or send a blank e-mail
to: BirdingFriends-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to join the
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.
WHEN BIRDS MIGRATE
Individual birds are relatively sedentary during two periods orioles, most of the sparrows, the warblers, vireos and thrushes
each year, at nesting time and in winter.. Each species, or group are typical nocturnal migrants. Observations made with tele-
of species, migrates at a particular time of the year and some at scopes focused on the full moon have shown processions of
a particular time of the day. Others are more irregular in their birds, and one observer estimated their passage over his area at
migratory behavior. Red Crossbills, for example, are erratic the rate of 9,000 per hour.
wanderers and will settle down and breed any month of the year Night travel is probably best for the majority of birds chief-
when and where an adequate supply of conifer seeds is avail- ly from the standpoint of feeding. Digestion is very rapid in
able. Students of migration know that birds generally travel birds, and yet the stomach of birds killed during the day almost
in waves, the magnitude of which varies with populations, spe- always contains food. If the smaller migrants were to make
cies, weather and time of year. Characteristically, one will ob- protracted flights by day, they would arrive at their destination
serve a few early individuals come into an area followed by a at nightfall almost exhausted. By traveling at night, they can
much larger volume of migrants. This peak will then gradu- pause at sunrise and devote the entire period of daylight to feed-
ally taper off to a few lingering stragglers. In the northern part ing and resting. Although most of our smaller birds make their
of the United States there are two general migration waves.. longest flights at night, observation shows travel is continued to
The first one in early spring consists of “hardy’ birds, including some extent by day. During the latter half of a migratory season
many of our common seed eaters like the finches, sparrows and birds may show evidence of an overpowering drive to hasten to
others. The second wave occurs about a month later and con- their breeding grounds. Sometimes they travel hurriedly, and
sists primarily of insect-eating birds such as flycatchers, vireos, while their flights may be short, they can cover an appreciable
and warblers. Because most birds are creatures of daylight, it distance in the course of a day.
seems remarkable that many should select the night for extend-
ed travel. Smaller birds such as rails, shorebirds, flycatchers, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
GOOD LOCAL BIRDING!
Hi Birders, Just happen to be at a place yesterday where there is a rookery. It is located off the road to The Westin Resort (to the
right at the Port Royal Village road to a small lagoon in Ocean Palms on the left) and has been there 3-4 years. There are several
hundred birds there including Tricolored Herons, Anhingas, Little Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets and many White Ibises. Quite
a sight to behold in late afternoon where they roost for the night! There is a larger rookery at the entrance to The Cypress near
the western entrance to Hilton Head Plantation with many of the same birds. Indigo Run also has a small rookery near their golf
course club houses at the entrance to Berwick Green to the right. It also contains several Black-crowned Night Herons. The Bald
Eagles and their newly fledged chick can also be seen (if they are around) by parking at the end of this street and walking to golf
hole #10 to view the nest in a tall pine there. Good Birding, Jack C., HHI, SC
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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 May 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.

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Island Packet's winner - Favorite Travel Agency Mon.-Fri.
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May 2008 Page 5


292 Issue #:
Hilton Head, South Carolina 29938
P.O. Box 6185
Hilton Head Island Audubon Society Organization:
Monthly Sept.-May Frequency:
May 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

MAY ~ SEPTEMBER 2008 Calendar

MAY
0
B E Q U E S T S
Thurs. May 8 Board Meeting at the Seabrook .......................... 2:00 pm
If you wish to honor a family
Tues. May 13 Annual Picnic at Sea Pines Preserve.................... 5:30 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,
Have a Happy Summer! your gift may be in the form of secu-
rities, cash, life insurance, real estate,

8 or other property.
Contact your own estate planner
or our Audubon Chapter at P.O. Box
SEPTEMBER 6185, Hilton Head Island, South
Carolina 29938.
Thurs. Sept. 9 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 May 2008