Bird Key Stono is a 35 acre spit of sand located on the Folly River between Folly Beach and Kiawah Island. This area is recognized as a IBA (Important Bird Area) by Audubon. IBAs are recognized internationally. During nesting season, this island hosts thousands of nesting seabirds. For this reason, the sanctuary is closed to public use from March 15 thru October 15. The area may be viewed from boats during these months and is accessible to the public below the high water tidal line from October 16 thru March 14. Dogs are prohibited year round and camping is not allowed.
We arrived early and met our Audubon Rep. Nolan. Coastal Expeditions volunteered a boat and a Captain to ferry us to and from the island. Our Captain, Gates was a very good Naturalist, and made to ride out even more interesting.
Capt. Gates
Making our way.
Approaching the island, we noted how beautiful it was. It appeared untouched by humans. On shore we found we were wrong. We broke up into teams of two and made our way around the island. One of the first things Lisa and I found was an old crab basket that had washed ashore, which something like this you expect. Our next find however, we didn't expect.
What the heck?
You've got mail.
The mail basket ending up being helpful to haul the rest of our finds.
There was plenty of beauty along the way as well.
After about three hours we called it quits. The below photo is a picture of the groups findings.
This jewel made its way home with us....
We loaded our findings on the boat and returned to the landing with a feeling we had made a difference for the up coming nesting season.
After cleaning ourselves up, we went into Charleston for some excellent seafood at the Fleet Landing, and to toast (with a local brew) a day well lived.
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