Tag Archives: Huntington Beach birding

Birding Trips in SC, Biridng Trips and Tours in SC

Hooded Mergansers in SC

By Sally Siko

Of of the most striking looking ducks we’ve got swimming around the Carolinas is the Hooded Merganser. With that huge crown of feathers at the top of their heads, these handsome birds are truly kings of the water.
I spotted this small flock yesterday while birding at Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, SC.
My guests and I were able to get relatively close to these guys from our vantage point next to the marsh which allowed some excellent photo opportunities.
The drakes were putting on a territorial display, cruising through the water upright with chests puffed out and bills pointed up to the sky in an effort to prove who’s the biggest badass in the marsh.
You can even hear them making their weird honking grunt-quacking noises while they were trying to impress the hens!



Hooded Mergansers are a species of diving duck with a somewhat unusual diet in that they do not eat much plant material. Instead they prefer to snack on small fish, crawfish, and aquatic insects.In addition, they’ve got long serrated beaks which aid in the capture and consumption of their underwater prey.
The tidal marsh habitat where I photographed these birds serve as the perfect hunting grounds for the Mergansers.


Though many of us associate Mergansers as being a wintertime visitor to the Carolinas, they are known to breed in our eastern counties making them a year round resident of the Carolina’s.
Like Wood Ducks, they are cavity-nesters but unlike Wood Ducks, Mergansers often lay their eggs in other females’ nests. This is behavior is similar to the practice of Brown-headed Cowbirds, except that the ducks only lay eggs in nests of their own species.
Pretty neat, huh?

By the way, I’ve added 80 new birding tour dates to my schedule so if you’d like to join me out there in SC to see these beautiful ducks for yourself check the calendar below for details & booking info!

Photos by @sally_siko of @bestlife_birding on my mighty mirrorless monster, the @canonusa #R5

Birding Trips in SC, Biridng Trips and Tours in SC

Saltmarsh Sparrows in SC

By Sally Siko

Here is a bird I was excited to find last year while birding Huntington Beach State Park in South Carolina, a Saltmarsh Sparrow.
I’d never seen one before so it was awesome to finally see and photograph these cute little bird up close while sitting on the jetty.



One of the more interesting things I’ve learned about Saltmarsh Sparrows regards their unusual breeding system. Unlike most songbirds, the males do not defend territories, rather they move around large areas of a marsh, singing to attract females. Both sexes are promiscuous, and no pairs are formed; males take no part in caring for the eggs or young.

The range of a Saltmarsh Sparrow extends from Maine down to Florida on the east coast of the United States.
Here in the Carolinas they are best found in our coastal areas during the winter months.
They can be tough to spot though since they tend to hide in the tallest grass. That being said, they do respond well to pishing techniques and will occasionally pop out of the grass to offer a quick look before diving back down into the grass.
The best time to try and find one of these little feathered gems is during periods of high tide, when they are forced off of the mud flats to perch on the grass itself.



Generally I’m pleased with these first sighting photos but I’m eager to return to Huntington Beach State Park to lead my next tour tomorrow.
Lol I guess I’m never satisfied so I’d like another crack at getting some better shots.

By the way, I’ve added 80 new tour dates to my 2024 birding trip schedule including locations right here in South Carolina.
Check the calendar to view all of my trips!



Birding Trips in SC, Biridng Trips and Tours in SC

Mute Swans at Huntington Beach SP in SC

By-Sally Siko

While birding at Huntington Beach State Park last week I spotted a small flock of Mute Swans flying overhead.
They made two runs of an ever descending spiral formation before they dropped down.
Although they were somewhat far away from my vantage point on the dock, it was fun to try to get a few pics of the group as they glided in for a splash landing.



These impressive swans are a familiar sight to many throughout the Carolinas occurring in urban parks, wildlife refuges and in on farms in rural regions.
Though they are year-round residents,
Mute Swans are actually native to Europe and were introduced to the United States in the 1800s as an ornamental species to grace the gardens of estates and parks.
As it often goes, many of them escaped and are now contributing to the growing populations of feral birds.
Today, undomesticated flocks Mute Swans are found in coastal areas from New England all the way south into the mid Atlantic States.



The bane of kayakers, fishermen, farmers and hikers alike, these guys can get quite aggressive, especially during the breeding season when encountered near their nesting sites.
Even during the winter, Mute Swans are very protective of one another and will chase away enemies or rivals at the drop of a hat.
They’ll puff their feathers out to appear larger than life, hiss loudly and then set off after the offender with neck extended, bill open ready to deliver a bite.
Perhaps they aren’t the friendliest of birds but at least they are entertaining to watch lol!

Photos by Sally Siko of @bestlife_birding captured on my mighty mirrorless monster, the @canonusa #R5

Want to go see these beauties for yourself? Book a tour below!

Biridng Trips and Tours in SC

Wintertime Woodstorks in South Carolina

By Sally Siko

Arriving at dawn to my birding tour spot in SC last week, I was excited to see that a flock of Woodstorks had flown in and landed right next to the path which lines the pond at HBSP.
As the sun rose, it illuminated these impressive birds like a spotlight which led to some dramatic photo opportunities.
My client hadn’t arrived yet so I texted him to let him know that I was already there and to hurry along (if possible) to best take advantage of the close up view and incredible lighting conditions.



Happily my client showed up just in time! In the end, we were both able to grab some cool photos of the Woodstorks fighting over fish under a dazzling array of light bouncing off of the water.
It was exciting to share this special bird moment with my guest!
In addition to showing him a new Life bird, I know he captured some incredible shots as well which is the best thing ever IMO.
Mornings like this are why I love being a birding tour photography guide so much.



As our largest species of wader found in the Carolinas, flocks of Wood Storks can be spotted hunting for a meal in swamps, freshwater marshes and in shallow ponds.
They feed on a variety of prey items including fish, frogs, crayfish, large insects, and occasionally even small alligators and mice.
Weirdly enough though, these birds are very particular about the depth of water that they’ll hunt for a meal in.
Preferring no more than a foot of water to rise up their legs, most Wood Storks will wait until low tide before finally coming down from out of the trees in the morning to hunt in the rapidly draining marsh below.

Wood Storks are best found in the eastern counties of the Carolinas from June through September, however a few of them are known to spend the winter here as well.
This means that you’ve plenty of time to see one for yourself before the year is through.
By the way, I’ve got several birding photography tours available for booking here in South Carolina this winter.
If you’d like to join me out there than check the calendar below for my schedule and tour details 🙂

Photos by Sally Siko of @bestlife_birding captured on my mighty mirrorless monster, the @canonusa #R5

Biridng Trips and Tours in SC

Enjoying Gadwall Ducks in Huntington Beach SC

By Sally Siko

Last week I led a birding tour in south eastern SC and was stoked to show my client this flock of Gadwall ducks.
Normally this species tend to spook easily whenever human are around so it was great to get such a nice close up look at them as they paddled on the water.
Even in mixed flock situations, male Gadwalls are relatively easy to ID thanks to that black feathery butt lol!


When viewing the drakes at a distance one might describe them as dull but taking a closer look, you’ll notice that they are actually quite intricately adorned with an intricate black lacing pattern on their feathers paired with a pleasing pallet of warm colors over-washing it’s gray and brown plumage.
The hens are equally as lovely dressed in a plumage softly toned in shades of warm buff brown.


Though most breed in the north central and western part of the United States, Gadwalls are also a year round resident of the coastal counties of the Carolina’s and are known to nest on Bodie Island and Pea Island during the summer.
In addition, every autumn thousands of Gadwalls arrive from all over the country to spend the cooler months here in the mid Atlantic region. Due to the influx of migrants in the eastern counties, they are much easier to find during the wintertime than any other time of year.
This is why you’re most likely to spot them in here in South Carolina paddling around in wide open fresh and brackish marshes, ponds and lakes from now through early April.
You’ve got plenty of time to see a Gadwall over the next few months so get out there and enjoy them this winter!


By the way, I’ve added a ton of new South Carolina birding tour dates to my schedule.
If you’d like to go bird watching with me this winter to see (and photograph!) Gadwalls and other incredible birds, check calendar for trip info.

Photos by Sally Siko of @bestlife_birding captured on my mighty mirrorless monster, the @canonusa #R5

Biridng Trips and Tours in SC

A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker encounter in SC

By Sally Siko

Here’s a bird I was delighted to photograph this past week, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. I spotted him while leading a birding tour at Huntington Beach State Park in coastal South Carolina. It was absolutely awesome to get a good clean look at this striking bird as it searched for a snack.
For some reason every time I’ve tried to photograph this species they always seem to be just a bit too far away or on the wrong side of the tree to grab a decent shot. This time we got lucky so my client and I were able to come away with some good pics.



Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are found scrambling up and down tree trunks
in varying numbers from our mountains to the coastal areas of the Carolinas throughout the year.
Their diets include a wide variety of insects, including ants and beetles plus they regularly feed on berries and fruits.
 But why are they constantly hammering their beaks into the tree trunks?


The clue is actually wrapped up in their name. It’s all about tapping that sweet, sweet sap flow!
 These little guys will move up hastily up and down trees to drill a series of wells in the trunks to drink the sap that oozes forth. Often returning to the same tree on a regular basis, the Yellow -bellied Sapsucker’s elaborate systems of sap wells are maintained daily to ensure sap production.
 Boasting a legit honey-badger-don’t-care attitude, these feisty woodpeckers will defend their wells from all kinds of sap-stealing animals and birds, including other sapsuckers. They also may be found happily raiding both hummingbird and suet feeders alike in our own backyards with the same energy.



Photos by Sally Siko of @bestlife_birding captured on my mighty mirrorless monster, the @canonusa #R5

Want to go see this bird too? Book at trip with me at Huntington Beach State Park.

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Gift cards are available for Best Life Birding tours!

By Sally Siko

Need to find the perfect gift for the bird lover in your life? Well look no further because gift cards are available now here at Best Life Birding!

PURCHASE YOUR GIFT CARD FOR BEST LIFE BIRDING HERE

Birders and bird loving photographers of all skill levels are invited to join me, Sally Siko as we explore the trails, woods, fields and shorelines of the United States in search of interesting birds. From North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Maine and beyond, there are plenty of great species to get out and enjoy throughout the year.

DETAILS FOR EACH TRIP LOCATION ARE LISTED IN THE LINK BELOW

BIRDING TOURS CAPE MAY, NJ

BIRDING TOURS IN MAINE

BIRDING TOURS AT PINCKNEY ISLAND, SC

BIRDING TOURS AT CAPE FEAR SHINERS PARK, NC

BIRDING TOURS AT HUNTINGTON BEACH STATE PARK, SC

BIRDING TOURS THE OBX NORTH CAROLINA

BIRDING TOURS AT THE PEE DEE NWR, NC

BIRDING TOURS AT OLD BYNUM BRIDGE, NC

PAINTED BUNTING BIRDING TOURS AT FT.FISHER, NC

BIRDING TOURS AT WEYMOUTH WOODS, NC

In addition to local trips here in central North Carolina, 80 new birding tour dates have been added to my 2024 calendar!

Click on the dates marked in green in the box below for more information.

Book today as space is limited on these small group tours!

Shown below is the Best Life Birding Instagram feed featuring of some of the species I’ve found for my guests here in the United States.

The year isn’t over yet though. I can’t wait to help you add more birds to your list too!

Private birding tours in North & South Carolina are also available for reservation to best suit your needs and schedule!

For more information please contact sallysiko@birdwatchingnc.com or call/text (919) 449-7331 to book a private trip.


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80 new birding trips have been added to Best Life Birding tour calendar for 2024

By Sally Siko

Go Birding With Me: Best Life Birding Trips, Guided Group Birding Tours & Bird Photography Workshops
Birding Trips in SC, Biridng Trips and Tours in SC, Gifts for Birders and Bird watchers

New South Carolina birding tours are available at Best Life Birding

By Sally Siko

🐦‍⬛Winter is here and it’s the best time of the year to go birding!
One of my favorite destinations is coastal SC.
With its expansive marshlands, sandy beaches and maritime forests, South Carolina has a ton of great opportunities to photograph birds and other wildlife.

🦆From ducks to shorebirds, waders and geese, even spotting a gator or mink or two is possible when heading out into the wild with a camera in hand.
It’s my go-to place when I need to fill out my remaining birds needed for the yearly list.
Better still, SC gets a fair share of vagrant species throughout the winter months, so ya never know what kind of random cool rare birds will show up to pad the life list!
Plus the weather is generally pretty great, the mosquitoes are gone and most of the time the only other people I encounter in marshes and on the beaches are other birders or photographers lol!
Doesn’t get much better than that IMO 🙂



🐦‍⬛Want to join me out there?
Let’s go!
I’ve got a tons of group birding tours open for booking in South Carolina in 2024.
This is a great way to add birds to your list, hone your photography skills and connect with like minded bird obsessed folks like us who won’t look at ya crazy for getting excited to see a Clapper Rail sneaking through the marsh.

🦆By the way, if you’re not into the group tour thing I also offer guide services for private trips and bird photography workshops.
Gift cards are available & I can also accommodate tour date requests that you don’t see listed on my calendar as well.
Check the link below for tour info and contact details.

Birding Tours at Huntington Beach State Park
Birding Tours at Pinckney Island NWR



🐦‍⬛As always, feel free to shoot me an email anytime if ya have any questions.
I look forward to getting out there with ya soon!

Happy birding!
-Sally Siko