Georgetown County, NAMC

["Jack" <ppaw@sccoast.net>]

Hi Carolinabirders,
Today, four of us in two parties birded in Georgetown County as part of
the North American (Spring) Migration Count.  We covered most of
Huntington Beach State Park, Samworth W.M.A. and local roads in western
Georgetown County, the Santee Delta was attempted but the biting flies
and mosquitoes won out.  All told 94 species which was not bad
considering the moderate to heavy rains in much of the AM.  Only two
migrant species were found Am Redstart and Yellow Warbler.  The
highlights were the good numbers of Blue Grosbeak, Prairie Warbler,
Yellow-breasted Chat and Common Yellowthroat in the clearcut that held
all those good sparrows last winter and the White-rumped Sandpiper in
Mullet Pond at the first overlook on the east side. The one that is not
covered. This bird was found by Steve Shultz who clued me in as to its
location. Thanks, Steve.
The other birders were: Charlie Heacock who was with me and Dave
Gustavson and Paul Rogers who birded together in Murrells Inlet, Pawleys
Island, the city park in Georgetown and South Island Road. One of the
wildest things I ever saw was the precopulation ritual of two Common
Ground Doves-the male graped the female on the bill with his bill
(something like a headlock)threw her around a bit and then pounded her
on the top of the head with his bill. He did this several times before
copulation took place. Talk about tough love!
A tiring day but fun nonetheless.

Jack Peachey
Conway, SC