Friends of Carolina Sandhills Refuge Hosting Fall Birding Boot Camp
Sandhills Refuge Carolina Wren Photos courtesy of www.fws.gov/ refuge/Carolina_Sandhills
What’s the best way to sharpen newfound skills? Exactly….practice, practice, practice! For all of our friends who have had the pleasure of attending one of the refuge’s Spring Birding Boot Camps, here’s your chance to put your knowledge to the test. Dr. William Alexander, retired biology chair of the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics has graciously agreed to lead a Fall Birding Boot Camp on Saturday, October 1, 2016. So, grab your binoculars and head to the refuge!
Hosted by the refuge Friends Group, the fall version of the Birding Boot Camp will begin promptly at 8:30 am at the Refuge headquarters/office on U. S. Hwy. 1, four miles north of McBee. Whether you are a novice observer or an avid birder, this camp offers a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors, develop your birding skills, and experience the refuge and its birds firsthand.
Sandhills Refuge Bachmans Sparrow
The camp will begin with a classroom presentation on birding basics with additional helpful hints for recognizing our fall migrants. Participants will then move outdoors to explore refuge habitats and put their birding skills to the test! It will be exciting to potentially observe a number of species not normally seen during our springtime outings. Be sure to bring binoculars, a field guide (if available), snacks, and plenty of water. Please be prepared for variable field conditions by wearing long pants and appropriate footwear.
The camp is free of charge, but pre-registration is required. To register, or for more information, please call 843-335-8350 or email patricia_mccoy@fws.gov. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to this event for all participants. Persons needing reasonable accommodations in order to attend and participate should contact the refuge at the provided phone number or email. In order to allow sufficient time to process requests, please contact us for assistance by close of business September 26, 2016.
The Friends of Carolina Sandhills NWR is a group of citizens dedicated to supporting the role of the refuge in protecting and preserving the longleaf/wiregrass ecosystem, promoting public enjoyment and responsible use of the refuge, and educating the public concerning wise use of its resources. Located in Chesterfield County, Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge is a 46,000-acre wildlife refuge dominated by rolling sand hills and longleaf pine. This ecosystem supports more than 190 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 41 species of reptiles, 25 species of amphibians, and over 750 plant species.
Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge
23734 US Highway 1
McBee, SC 29101
843.335.8401
843.335.8406 fax