Kiawah Island Digest May 2014 | Page 8

8 May 2014 Security The Red Knots are Here! Main gate 843-768-5566 Toll Free 866-596-7184 (911 in emergencies) Commercial pass office 843-768-8240 On The Web KICA.US - KICA is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Visit the KICA website for more information. Digest Contributors Frances Boyd - Member Volunteer Virginia Chapel - Member Volunteer Bill Hindman - Member Volunteer Shauneen Hutchinson - Member Volunteer Mary Beth McAnaney - Member Volunteer Sue Schaffer - Feature reporter Deb Stewart - Member Volunteer Russ Warren - Member Volunteer Staff Production Team Doug Reynolds - Communications Mgr/Editor Leah Jerden - Communications Assistant Tammy McAdory - Executive Director Digest Mission Statement The association is committed to accurately and effectively reporting news affecting it, and its members, board, and volunteers, and to presenting discussions of significant issues in a balanced and constructive manner. Statement of Editorial Policy The association, through its Digest reporters, shall endeavor to report objectively and wholly the significant island news relating to the association and its members. The association welcomes members’ suggestions on issues they deem significant for publication or discussion, and will publish editorials, identified as such, where there is a need to clarify, expand, or express views and opinions on relevant issues. To submit an editorial, write to Digest care of Doug Reynolds or email to [email protected]. You may have seen them around the island. They are the size of robins and are often found in large flocks flying in lovely waves through the sky. They are migratory shore birds called Red Knots. In many cases, the Red Knots have arrived as part of their journey from the very tip of South America to the Canadian Arctic where they will spend the summer months breeding. Their round trip may exceed an astounding 18,000 miles. From Kiawah Island they will head north to the Delaware Bay where they seek fuel in the form of eggs from horseshoe crabs that will prepare them for the remainder of their journey. From there many will fly almost four days and four nights straight to reach their breeding grounds. The species is currently being considered for addition to the federal government’s list of endangered species. While they are visiting Kiawah, you can help keep them safe and ease their arduous journey. If you spot Red Knots: • Please avoid disturbing them in any way. • Do not ride bicycles or walk near them. • Do not allow children to approach them. • Keep dogs well away from them. • Gently remind others who may not be aware of these guidelines. These birds are our guests. Enjoy their beauty and re