As much as we like Hilton Pond Center, we occasionally take a break away from the Piedmont. Such was the case this week during a family holiday to the South Carolina Low Country. As usual, we spent part of the time at Huntington Beach State Park--arguably one of the finest birding spots on the East Coast. (The only bird banded this week at the Center was a young Eastern Bluebird that would have fledged from its nestbox prior to our return from vacation.)

Huntington Beach is of special interest because the causeway to the beach is bordered on one side by a freshwater pond (top photo) and on the other by a tidal mud flat--both of which are accessible by boardwalks. This juxtaposition of very different habitats makes for very interesting birding--and alligator watching! At different seasons of the year, there are great varieties of waterfowl and waders and shorebirds, and these days it's even common all summer long to see a flock of Wood Storks--always a treat in South Carolina.

For more details about Huntington Beach State Park, see our articles on Hot Spots For Birds and Birder's Guide to Huntington Beach State Park.

The following species were banded this week (1-7 July):

Eastern Bluebird--1 (nestling)

WEEKLY BANDING TOTAL
(1-7 July 2001)
1 species
1 individual

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