How to use ebird to learn what birds you might see on Dewees
Posted on
It’s migration season, and there are wonderful birds passing through. If you’ve ever wondered what you might expect to see, you can use ebird as a great resource. In fact, you can even use it to find out when the birds you MOST want to see will be on the island.
Here’s how to use ebird to find out about a particular species:
Ebird is an incredible database out of Cornell University. Anyone can use it without being a member, although there are some benefits that make membership worth it. Suppose you were fascinated by Northern Gannets, who migrate through the area in winter and spring, and you wanted to time a visit to see them. You could use ebird to help you plan when to come to the island. Here’s how:
Start by going to ebird.org. Click on explore data.
Then, select species maps:
Then enter the species name that you’re interested in:
Use the zoom tool to focus on where you’re traveling:
Keep zooming until you can see buttons where people have entered data.
Click the buttons for detailed lists:
While you are exploring ebird, you can find some other amazing resources, from interactive maps to migration “forecasts” to rare species. If you decide you’d like to enter data on ebird, every piece of information helps us track and understand birds– from migration patterns, to climate effects, to species in peril. Reach out if you need some help! You can also click here for an weekly record of specific sightings on the island:
There is a storm (Tropical Storm Ana) sitting off the Carolina coast right now, and it’s actually creating some gorgeous weather conditions. It’s also causing the ferry to sit out an occasional run, which provides island residents with either an extra hour to watch the beautiful weather from the island, or a chance to hang out at Morgan Creek Grill and grab a snack and beverage with your friends. “Tropical Bands of Moisture” have been wandering across the island (although there has been no precipitation today) with some pretty intense downpours, and the pattern is set to continue through tomorrow evening. So, since we know here that we have friends from across the country that have been watching the national weather and wondering, we’re sending some photos to update you on the weather conditions today.
Props to Captain Rick, who came up with a solution to the challenges of flower transport. When you bring a bouquet of flowers or potted orchid over to the island, it can be a challenge to move them without the wind tearing them apart. So Rick bought a tall trash can and labeled it for flower storage. We found it worked really well to get the flowers from the car to the house without the wind from the ferry or golf cart wreaking havoc. Pick it up on the dock side, borrow it, and return to the ferry.
The next meeting of the book club is May 22nd at 6:30 pm. The book is Children of the Wind, by Ed Sundt. Discussion led by Bob Drew.
, and it’s a great read! Novelist Brett Lott describes it as “a harrowing and beautiful story of a young man in the Sudan, a Dinka tribesman set in the midst of unimaginable turmoil; it is genuinely frightening and genuinely revelatory.” Jeff’s experiences in South Sudan as an anthropologist and a physician have enabled him to write a book that transports you to Africa… don’t miss this! We will be meeting at Huyler House at 6:30.
In the coldest POA weekend we can remember, hardy souls braved the elements to turn out for a great meeting on the island. We treasured a chance to spend time with neighbors from near and far, and conduct the business of the island: electing directors, learning about the progress of island projects, balancing budgets, etc.
After a coffee break, we moved to the manager’s report, where we learned about the impoundment restoration progress, the new ferry, and our multitasking staff. POA board Chair Dave McIntyre and Treasurer Bill Easterlin presented the financials, and we proceded with elections. Dwight Plemmons, Faith Schwaibold, and Larry McDevitt are now members of the board (Faith is returning for a second term) and we thank them for their willingness to serve. (We also thank outgoing board members Dick Robinson and Alex Kliros for their service.) In addition, the size of the board grew to nine members, with the community voting to add Anne Anderson and Bill Duncan (ARB and EPB chairs) as full voting members. New owner John Gilles was impressed with the professionalism of the meeting:
While the votes were tallied, Environmental Program Director Lori Sheridan Wilson gave an update on recycling, the impoundment project, our invasive species programs, and other environmental issues. As the recipient of the birding big year award for the most recorded birds, I was blown away by the prize: a beautiful sculpture of a shorebird by Larry Warren. Great catering by the Noisy Oyster restaurant led the lunchtime festivities: with oysters, burgers, and sides, we gathered with neighbors to celebrate the strength of our community with one another.
All in all, POA weekend was a celebration of the people who make this community what it is: neighbors who work together for the common good, who support one another and enjoy each other’s company. Rain and cold weather couldn’t dampen the fun!