Ruddy Turnstones
When I awoke in Myrtle Beach, I was debating whether or not to try one last time for the Harlequin Duck. I knew that if I didn't try, someone would see it this day, and the forecast for tomorrow, our last day of the trip before heading home, had a 90% chance of rain. But when I looked out of the hotel room window, I once again saw dense fog. Well, the decision was made for me. But I thought to call the ranger's office at the state park, and they said it was bright and sunny there, so I headed to the park.
Huntington Beach State ParkI went straight to the jetty parking lot, and hiked the 2.6 mile round trip on the beach. It was quite windy and warm, but there were very few birds to see on that entire hike. I did see a few Forster's Terns and Ruddy Turnstones at the jetty.
Ruddy Turnstones
Forster's Tern
Common Loon
Sanderling
When I got back to the start of the beach hike, I saw a small flock of Royal Terns, as well as a flock of the yellow-legged Bonaparte's Gulls hanging out with a Ring-billed Gull.
Royal Terns
Royal Tern
Bonaparte's Gulls and a Ring-billed Gull
Bonaparte's Gulls
Bonaparte's Gulls
Bonaparte's Gulls
The path between the Mullet and Mallard Ponds was great! There was a cooperative Barred Owl that was posing for birders. Two Mute Swans were in the Mullet Pond.
Barred Owl
Barred Owl
Barred Owl
Barred Owl
Mute Swan
Mute Swan
Mute Swan
Mute Swan
Hooded Merganser
Pied-billed Grebe
From the marsh boardwalk, I was able to see the distant Bald Eagle's nest. One of the eagles was at the nest, and then took to flight.
Bald Eagle