Francis Biedler forest

[jlphoto]

For those of you folks down in SC or familiar with the area, what is the best time of the year for the forest. I'm interested in the prothonatory warblers - which is obviously going to be April or May, but wasnt sure if things pick up there earlier or not.
thanks,
Jared

[jckegley]

Probably Ron Wright would be the expert. He spends a lot of time down there.

But here's my take when I spent a spring and summer down there a couple of years ago. For Prothonotary's my experience is late April - May (like you already said). They do not winter in SC so you have to wait for them to arrive. If you want Prothonotary chicks then late May. As the summer arrives and nesting season is over with, the prothonotary's are not as bold and a little harder to get pics of.

Franicis Beidler Forest (http://www.wildlifesouth.com/Locations/SouthCarolina/FrancisBeidler.html)

[scbrand]

Jared,

I live in Mt. Pleasant (about 50 mins. from Biedler), and I have certainly seen and photographed the Prothonotary in mid to late March in the I'on Swamp in Awendaw - much closer to the coast. I haven't been to Biedler itself in March, so I cannot say for certain. I would add that the first week of April is primetime in Charleston for EVERYTHING, so even if the birds weren't cooperating, there would be a wealth of photographic opps in every direction....of course, there will be lots of photographers in every direction as well.


I know Robert Kimerlin and Don Wuori are frequent visitors to Beidler, so maybe one of them could tell you for certain when they have seen the Prothonotary arriving.


~Suzan

[squatty420]

May through Early to Mid June is really the best time IMO. The later in the summer you go the hotter it is and the more skeeters you're going to have to deal with. If possible plan to spend two or three days going after them. You may knock it out of the park the 1st day but it will serve you better if you have a day or two to make up for a "bad" day. The key to photographing there is consistency. You have to go consistently to get good results, at least that's what's worked for me. But I have that luxery to be able to go often.

[rpk717]

I agree with all the dates given, it really depends on what you are looking for. If you want nest building & courtship come in April, if you want chicks in nest being fed by the parents come in May though I would hope everyone will limit the amount of time spent on a nest with chicks.

It's more fun when it's cooler but both months will have great opportunities. I've seldom had a bad day in either month at Beidler.

I will say it is not as easy the first trip to get the great shots as you might think, the place does have a learning curve. It would be best to see if you can arrange to be there when someone experienced with the boardwalk will be there. It's all about location, location, location.

And don't forget to look for some barred owl shots.

[jlphoto]

When I go out, I will probably spend about a week, and possibly hit up the wood stork rookery in the ACE. I really apriciate everyone's help on this. Sound's like May is the time to go.

Jared