There is a Burrowing Owl at Ft. Sumter NM, Charleston, SC, accessible only
by ferry. The owl is roosting in two locations. We didn't know of the
second roost spot until today. We searched the other roost spot for hours
the prior day without seeing the bird. Today we walked up and saw it.
The first coordinate is the location of the tool bin or someone called it
mining casement room. Coordinates for tool bin/room: (32.7527098,
-79.8749704). This is where the owl was today. Once off the boat go
through the main doors, turn left once inside and walk the inside edge of
Ft. to the pin. There will be a concrete room with tools in it with no
door, and a gate so you can't go in. The owl was sitting on top of
the weedeater in there. Look at photos in eBird or the one attached for
perspective and orientation. The owl in on the top right in photo. We
briefly looked at it and photographed it, and left.
The second location of where the owl roosts is on the same level but the
walkway is closed so go up over the top and turn left then down the stairs
to the cannon casement area. It has been seen perched on the rail, the
cannon, and a ledge near the stairs, but I'd look everywhere if it's not in
the tool room. Coordinates are: 32.752392, -79.874198
Please do your best to not disturb the owl. I’ve heard reports of birders
disturbing the birds, but I believe it’s mostly unsuspecting tourists, as
there have been few birders out there. If the owl starts bobbing, it is
agitated. It did not do that with us. We kept our distance at the tool bin
and used zoom lens to grab the photos, that’s why it looks so close.
If you take an early ferry there is an extended stay option for $5 that you
can purchase if you want to catch the following ferry back and stay longer,
this from Liberty Square. I believe there are only two ferries from Liberty
Square, 11am and 2pm, so the extended stay is only optional for the 11am
ferry. I'm not sure of arrangements from the ferry in Mount Pleasant from
Patriot's Point. The extended stay purchase can only be done at the ticket
office, but I understand the fare can be purchased online, just get the add
on at the office.
Apparently the owl has been there at least a month.
--
*"to live will be an awfully big adventure" - Peter Pan*
