ACE. Basin, South Carolina
2008 Spring Field Trip
April 25 - 27

Our seven participants recorded 112 species at several sites, including the Supersod Farm in Orangeburg, Beidler Forest, Bear Island and Donnelley Wildlife Management Areas, ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge – Edisto Unit, Great Swamp Sancutary and Edisto Beach State Park. Trip participants were Linda and Larry Davis, Phil Dickinson, Kitty Jensen, Tara O’Leary, Shelley Rutkin and Marilyn Shuping.

Especially notable species were four Least Bitterns at the marsh adjacent to Donnelley WMA on SR 26, Sora and Bobolinks at Bear Island WMA, Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites at ACE Basin NWR, Red-throated Loon and Northern Gannet at Edisto Beach, and Horned Larks and Common Ground Doves at the sod farm.

Bobolinks

Of course, everyone enjoyed seeing a pair of Bald Eagles soaring over US 17 near Donnelley and, thanks to Larry’s keen eye, the Osprey on the nest at Bear Island. Several of us were thrilled to see the Wood Stork rookery at Donnelley complete with chicks on a nest. Black-throated Green Warblers are uncommon at Beidler Forest, and members of our group reported at least three. The Prothonotary Warblers put on quite a show at Beidler Forest, as did the approximately 14-foot alligator and mate at Bear Island.

Wood Stork 

Big Gator