A place just for the birds

Though it's off limits during nesting season, people still land on Crab Bank

Video

Birds are thriving on Crab Bank since state regulations protecting the coastal island and two others from boaters passed in 2006. Yet not everyone is following the new regulations. Watch »

The Post and Courier

Crab Bank is just like any other Lowcountry beach where adults sun themselves on the sand and dip their feet in the gentle surf while keeping a mindful eye on their young. The only difference is that for seven months, Crab Bank is solely for the birds.

State environmental officials still are trying to get that message out to boaters more than two years after the state Legislature made it illegal for people to walk along its banks during nesting season. Signs to that effect are posted.

While the populations of brown pelicans, black skimmers and royal terns, among others, have thrived on the sliver of sand at the mouth of Shem Creek, officials said some people continue to break the law, either out of ignorance or willful disregard.

"People still don't get it," said Felicia Sanders, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Natural Resources.

Recently a pile of beer bottles was found on the shore; and just hours after escorting reporters by boat to the 16-acre slice of sand, Sanders said she saw two boats drop off six children on the island. The children chased many of the birds away, making some of the eggs and chicks susceptible to the sun and birds of prey.

Jeff Mollenhauer, director of bird conservation for Audubon South Carolina, said most adult birds will fly away when a boat lands on the shore. Just 15 minutes without their parents' protection can be deadly for the chicks and eggs, he said.

"Under a strong sun, that's enough time to completely bake the egg and it will never hatch," Mollenhauer said.

Sanders said the boaters were cooperative and apologetic when she explained what they were doing. They were lucky in that they were allowed to leave without facing a charge that could lead to a fine of up to $465 and 30 days in jail.

"I don't think they were being malicious," she said. "They just didn't know it was closed."

Despite the increase in nests, not everyone is happy with the restrictions. Local radio talk show host L.J. Wallace said the island used to be a unique spot in the middle of Charleston Harbor where you could go and feel like you were in the middle of nowhere. He said he's considering using his show to start a movement that will once again allow people and dogs to use at least part of the beach.

"It was a unique gem to the public that they just took away without any concern for the people who enjoy it," he said.

He said that at least, the state should build a fence on the northern tip of the island to let boaters roam.

State officials said they designated parts of Deveaux Bank, a nesting island between Seabrook and Edisto islands, as recreational areas as part of a compromise with boaters. Sanders said some people just don't understand that the wildlife at Crab Bank is too delicate to mess with.

"The whole rest of the coast is open," she said. "We're talking about 16 acres that are closed for the survival of the birds in South Carolina."

Chris Crolley, owner of Coastal Expeditions, a kayaking tour company, said he's had people walk out of his Mt. Pleasant shop when they found out they could no longer land on the island. Still, he's completely in favor of the change because of the benefit to the birds and because his clients see more birds.

"I'm so glad they cleared the islands for the birds," Crolley said. "We're happy not to interfere with that. We can still see the birds and achieve our mission from the water."

Reach Andy Paras at 745-5891 or aparas@postandcourier.com.