I was able to visit the Murrell’s Inlet area of South Carolina last week. This is a favorite “short getaway” spot for Glyn and I, although I had never been here in December. One of the great birding spots along the Atlantic coast is Huntington Beach State Park a few miles south of Murrell”s Inlet off Hwy. 17. There were not a large number of species here this time of year, but the days were beautiful with sunny weather and temps in the 70s, not like it should be in mid-December!!. There were very few ducks or geese. I did see a lot of Hooded Mergansers. Mostly I enjoyed watching the Wading Birds and Shorebirds competing for food at low tide in the mudflats and tidal pools. These included Wood Storks, Tri-colored Herons, Little Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, White ibis, Least Sandpipers, Willets, and the elusive Virginia Rail. There were also Grackles, Kingfishers, Gulls, and a Hermit Thrush.
The wading and shorebirds were very competitive with each other for food and feeding space. It was fun to watch them follow each other around, chase each other, and fuss over food. The Wading Birds use their wings to block the glare so they can see their prey better, and also to “ herd” the minnows, etc into shallow water so they are easier to catch. A fascinating relationship was observed between the Mergansers and the Wading Birds. The Mergansers would swim and dive in the shallow tidal pools, stirring up the small fish and crabs. The Herons and Egrets would follow them up and down the shoreline, grabbing everything that wondered their way. The interdependence between animals is always truly interesting. If you are ever in the area, be sure to visit the Park. There are birds to see anytime of the year!! And the Murrell’s Inlet seafood is the best around!!
The wading and shorebirds were very competitive with each other for food and feeding space. It was fun to watch them follow each other around, chase each other, and fuss over food. The Wading Birds use their wings to block the glare so they can see their prey better, and also to “ herd” the minnows, etc into shallow water so they are easier to catch. A fascinating relationship was observed between the Mergansers and the Wading Birds. The Mergansers would swim and dive in the shallow tidal pools, stirring up the small fish and crabs. The Herons and Egrets would follow them up and down the shoreline, grabbing everything that wondered their way. The interdependence between animals is always truly interesting. If you are ever in the area, be sure to visit the Park. There are birds to see anytime of the year!! And the Murrell’s Inlet seafood is the best around!!
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