The Big Sit 2...

October 5th saw our second annual Big Sit held by Charleston County Parks at James Island County Park, and hosted by park naturalist and our CMNA Board Member, Kristina Wheeler.

An enormous thank you to all of you that volunteered your time throughout the day to make sure our guests were welcomed and informed!

For those of you that aren't sure about what a Big Sit is, we were counting how many birds we could identify while staying within a seventeen-foot diameter circle!
The larger point of it though, was that the event was accessible and inclusive, meaning everyone is welcome, whether beginner, expert, and especially those that may be challenged by a walk.

Books and binoculars were provided to help with identification, along with snacks and water to keep us all refreshed throughout the day.

We were all excited to have so many visitors come out to join us, and equally excited for the 46 different species we saw for the day.

Personally, seeing three Peregrine Falcons was a highlight as I can't remember the last time I saw just one! Over 20 years ago, I'm sure!

Hawk migration is definitely in full swing though, as the Peregrines were flying high and fast, and sometimes closely accompanied by a Kestrel or Merlin. (Kestrel below)

Thanks to Dave Eslinger, we're able to share these photos with you...Thanks Dave...and he was able to capture this image of an American Redstart!

And this local red Tailed Hawk was completely undisturbed by the Blue Jays that kept telling it to move along!!

Here's the link to the eBird Trip report...although, technically, as you now know, it was a sit and not a trip!