Join Dr. Al Segars (retired veterinarian & wildlife biologist with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources) on a visit to beautiful Harbor Island. Harbor is located adjacent to Hunting Island State Park and is a major site for horseshoe crab spawning as well as a critical stopover for migrating shorebirds.
Nick Wallover, veteran shorebird biologist with SCDNR, will discuss the importance of the stopover sites in South Carolina for migrating birds as well as challenges for our local nesters.
When:
Sunday, April 29, 2018
5:00p.m.-9:00p.m. - Horseshoe Crabs
AND
Monday, April 30, 2018
9:00 a.m.- noon - Shorebirds
The Sunday evening classroom session will focus on horseshoe crabs and their critical role in human and wildlife health. Classroom presentation will be followed by a beachwalk in hopes of observing spawning horseshoe crabs.
The Monday morning shorebird session will start in the classroom where we will review species, life history, ongoing research and identification of species likely encountered on a walk after the lecture.
Both shorebird and horseshoe crab beach walks will entail walking 1.5-2 miles on the sandy beach. The horseshoe crab outing will be on the beach until dark and both sessions may involve wading through shallow water on beach as tide peaks. Horseshoe crab outing will return to classroom just after dusk/ sunset, and group must stay together (no leaving early). No flashlights allowed on beach after dark (sea turtle protection).
Cost: $75 per person, includes both Sunday evening & Monday morning sessions.
Who: This training is open to the public. No prior knowledge is required. Minimum age is 16. For SC Master Naturalists, this event can count as 7 hours of Advanced Training. For Pro Birders, this event will count for 1 of the 8 days of training needed for certification. If you are not a Master Naturalist or Pro Birder, just come have fun with us! Participants will receive contact info of other participants to allow for carpooling to the area.
IMPORTANT: Participants should be in good physical shape. Both sessions will include significant walking through sand, and potentially also standing water. You should be prepared to encounter heat, briars, mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks, etc. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS EVENT UNLESS YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN YOU CAN HANDLE THESE CONDITIONS.
Other Important Notes:
• If available, bring binoculars.
• Restrooms are available at the classroom.
• There is no rain date for this event. We will make every effort to hold it, even in a few rain showers. If weather necessitates cancellation, we'll notify you and refund your money.
• After registering, you will receive important correspondence via email. If you change your email between now and then, make sure to notify us.
Questions? Contact Sara Green through email.
Photos by Teri Carter & Anne Palyok