has been compared to a turkey ( many of which are also found on Kiawah ) because of its wrinkled face . It also sports a long ( nearly a foot in length ) hooked beak . But ooh la la , when it takes to the skies it is simply magical . Its long white wings , which span up to six feet , are tipped with black flight feathers . A flock of wood storks flying in perfect synchronization overhead is as spiritual an experience as you are likely to have . Look for them in , around and over Kiawah ’ s marshes .
Unlike the wood stork , piping plovers are both small and still on the threatened species list . They can be found on both the eastern and western ends of Kiawah ’ s beach beginning in August and throughout the winter and early spring . Their chicks are vulnerable to predators like foxes , cats , raccoons and crows as well as storms and high tides . Adults often use a “ broken wing ” distraction technique to protect their young until they are fully fledged . Beachgoers are always urged to walk carefully and watch as they go in these critical areas on both ends of Kiawah Island . Shorebirds are feeding and resting and need the time to recover as they migrate .
Large or small , wading or woodland , plentiful or rare , Kiawah offers an environment suitable for every avian need . So get out there and see how many of our feather friends you can find — and if you ’ d like to keep track , be sure to take a copy of Kiawah ’ s Bird Checklist , available at www . wildlifeatkiawah . com / linked / kiawahbirdchecklist3 . pdf . NK
To see more of Tina ’ Schell ’ s photography visit https :// travelsandtrifles . wordpress . com /.
Town of Kiawah and Kiawah Conservancy combine efforts to study bird populations
During 2015 , having logged over 15,000 hours , Kiawah ’ s bird-banding station banded 7,140 birds including 94 different species . Capturing birds and banding them with a unique identifier gives biologists insight into the health and demographics of our island ’ s bird population . Important information on the productivity , survivorship , and movements of many species can be attained through a banding program .
The Town of Kiawah in connection with the Kiawah Conservancy has initiated several projects that use banding as the primary tool to study populations of different birds , including bluebirds , painted buntings , and marsh sparrows . They have also worked extensively with other researchers to understand the 9,000-mile migration of the amazing red knots that include a stopover on Kiawah during their incredible journey .
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