2014 Wildlife Archives: Incredible Findings And Photos…
December 27, 2014 ~ Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) | |
![]() Interested in learning more about the birds of Kiawah? Join our Naturalists for a Back Island Birding or Birding for Beginners Tour! Call the Nature Center for availability and reservations: 843.768.6001 Photo by Naturalist Brad Schmoll |
November 29, 2014 ~ Feather Report |
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Tour: Back Island Birding Naturalist: Brogin Van Skoik Time: 8:30am-11:30am Weather: Sunny, Temperature around 60 degrees F Species: |
November 4, 2014 ~ Scarlet Snake (Cemaphora coccinea) | |
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October 24, 2014 ~ Yellow Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta) | |
The nature center’s yellow rat snake is taking some time to stretch out in its exhibit.
Stop by the Nature Center in Night Heron Park to check out all the exhibits. Open Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-3:30pm | Friday-Sunday, 8:30am-4pm. |
October 1, 2014 ~ Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | |
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September 30, 2014 ~ Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) | |
Interested in learning more about the birds of Kiawah? Join our Naturalists for a Back Island Birding or Birding for Beginners Tour! Call the Nature Center for availability and reservations: 843.768.6001 Photo by Paula Feldman |
August 30, 2014 ~ Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | |
Five bobcat kittens and their mom spotted on Salt House Lane over by the River Course.
Photo by Holly Centurino |
July 15, 2014 ~ Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) |
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WE HAVE A HATCH! The first loggerhead nest of the season has hatched on Kiawah. Stay tuned for more updates and details of the nest. |
July 10, 2014 ~ Dragonfly | |
Interested in joining Jamie on a Nature Photography tour? Call the Nature Center for availability and reservations: 843.768.6001 |
July 8, 2014 ~ American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) | |
![]() Every day reveals a different wildlife story here on Kiawah Island…come out and see what you can discover! ~ Emily Cavell, Naturalist |
July 4, 2014 ~ Field Report | |
![]() Naturalist: Nick Boehm This morning, the Kiawah River was great for dolphin activity and pelican watching. Six to eight dolphins were strand feeding and working the bank, together and individually, on the dunes side beach between Beachwalker Park and Captain Sam’s spit. One was quite young next to a larger (presumably) female, which appeared to be teaching it how to feed. On top of that, a couple large groups of bait fish caught the eyes of some hungry pelicans as they dramatically plunged into the water for a meal. All in all, a beautiful and eventful morning on the Kiawah River! Interested in joining us for a Dolphin Encounters tour? Call the Nature Center for availability and reservations: 843.768.6001 |
June 30, 2014 ~ Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) | |
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June 27, 2014 ~ Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) | |
Loggerhead Sea Turtle making its way to the dunes to nest! |
June 22, 2014 ~ Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) | |
June 9, 2014 ~ Black Scoter (Melanitta americana) | |
Town Biologists have received a number of recent inquiries regarding a group of 12-14 “black” ducks that have been seen resting on the beach in the vicinity of Nicklaus Lane for the last 3-4 weeks. They are Black Scoters, a migratory species of waterfowl that winters in the nearshore ocean waters off of Kiawah in the thousands each year. Typically, they arrive in October and leave by early May to return north their Canadian breeding grounds. This group of scoters has skipped migration for this year and are currently molting their flight feathers and are not capable of flight. Typically, they would molt on their breeding grounds. Take this opportunity to get out on the beach and get an up close look at these birds. |
June 3, 2014 ~ Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) | |
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June 2, 2014 ~ American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) | |
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June 1, 2014 ~ Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) | |
18 Loggerhead Sea Turtle nests on Kiawah |
May 31, 2014 ~ West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) |
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First manatee of the season! … sighted today by Naturalist Matt Arnold in the Kiawah River. |
May 29, 2014 ~ Eastern Sceech-Owl (Megascops asio) | |
![]() If you are currently staying in the Windswept area listen for this owl’s call at night, often described as a mysterious trill. During the day, the screech-owl’s remarkable camouflage makes them very difficult to find. Listening for a commotion from Blue Jays, chickadees, and titmice can often be helpful in locating these tiny owls. These smaller birds may also be seen mobbing screech-owls swooping around them making load and consistent calls. |
May 28, 2014 ~ Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | |
![]() Record breaking: With 5 bobcat kittens (3 male and 2 female), this is the largest den ever found on Kiawah. Born approximately 6 days ago, all were very healthy. Jim Jordon and Aaron Given, quickly pit tagged the kittens and placed them back in the den. |
May 18, 2014 ~ Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) | |
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May 17, 2014 ~ Feather Report |
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Back Island Birding with Naturalist Matt Arnold species list: Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Anhinga, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Green Heron, Black-crowned Night-heron, Glossy Ibis, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Cooper’s Hawk, Clapper Rail, Wilson’s Plover, Killdeer, Semipalmated Plover, Black-necked Stilt, Willet, Greater Yellowlegs, Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone, Western/Least Sandpiper, Dunlin, Laughing Gull, Least Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Royal Tern, Sandwich Tern, Mourning Dove, Common Ground-Dove, Chimney Swift, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Blue Jay, Fish Crow, American Crow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Painted Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Orchard Oriole, Common Grackle, Boat-tailed Grackle, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch.
Tour Highlight: In the dunes near the Ocean Course driving range, we observed a pair of Common Ground Doves foraging in dunes. |
May 17, 2014 ~ Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) | |
WE HAVE OUR FIRST NEST! Kiawah’s first Loggerhead Sea Turtle nest of the 2014 season was found this morning. |
May 12, 2014 ~ Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio) | |
![]() Photo by Jamie Rood |
May 11, 2014 ~ Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) | |
The first Loggerhead Sea Turtle nest of the 2014 season for South Carolina was laid today is on Seabrook Island! |
May 10, 2014 ~ Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) | |
Magnificent Frigatebird spotted today by Kiawah Naturalists while kayaking on the western end of the Kiawah River. To find this bird look high in the sky it is generally riding the thermals. |
May 6, 2014 ~ Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) | |
![]() The best sightings have been in the afternoon in the field near the volleyball court. We would love to see your photos. Cell phone digiscoped photo by Nick Boehm |
May 5, 2014 ~ Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor) | |
On yesterday’s Sunset Cruise, Naturalist Matt Arnold reported Common Nighthawks seen and heard above Captain Sam’s Spit around 7:30pm.
Check out our website for more information on our Motorboat Charters & Excursions and our Birding Tours, or by calling the Nature Center at 843.768.6001. |
May 5, 2014 ~ Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) | |
Black-throated Blue Warbler spotted this morning in Night Heron Park by Naturalist Brogan Von Skoik and his Birding for Begginers Tour. |
May 3, 2014 ~ Yellow Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta) | |
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April 17, 2014 ~ Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttata) | |
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April 15, 2014 ~ Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | |
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April 12, 2014 ~ Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | |
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April 12, 2014 ~ Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) | |
On Turtle Point, our first Orchard Oriole of the season was spotted by Naturalist, Juliana Smith, on her Back Island Birding Tour. |
April 11, 2014 ~ Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) | |
![]() Photo coming by Jamie Rood |
April 11, 2014 ~ Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo) | |
![]() First Bonnethead of the season was causght today in the Kiawah River. Photo by Mike Waller |
April 10, 2014 ~ Feather Report | |
Tour: Back Island Birding Time: 8:00am-11:30am Weather: Sunny Temp: 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Naturalist: Brogin Van Skoik Species include: Tufted Titmouse, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, Carolina Chickadee, Blue Jay, Common Grackle, Laughing Gull, Fish Crow, Black-necked Stilt, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Great Blue Heron, Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Warbler, Red winged Blackbird, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Black-and-white Warbler, Tricolored Heron, Double-crested Cormorant, Chipping Sparrow, Belted Kingfisher, Common Moorhen, American Coot, Willet, Eastern Meadowlark, Yellow- rumped Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, Pine Warbler, Great Crested Flycatcher, Brown Pelican, Red-tailed Hawk. |
April 10, 2014 ~ Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) | |
First hummingbird of the season at our Mingo Point feeder. It was a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird reported by Naturalist, Matt Arnold. |
April 9, 2014 ~ Feather Report |
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Tour: Birding for Beginners Location: Night Heron Park Time: 8:30am -10:00am Naturalist: Brogin Van Skoik Species: Carolina Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Yellow-throated Warbler, Red winged Blackbird, Carolina Wren, Northern Mocking Bird, Eastern Bluebird, Black-and-white Warbler, American Crow, Tricolored Heron, Osprey, Double-crested Cormorant, Prothonotary Warbler*, Northern Parula, Chipping Sparrow, Pied Billed Grebe, Green Heron, Ruby- crowned Kinglet, Red -bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. *Occasional Species ~ only seen a few times a season. |
April 5, 2014 ~ Spiny Jewelbox (Arcinella cornuta) | |
![]() ~Nicholas Boehm, Naturalist |
April 4, 2014 ~ American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) | |
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April 3, 2014 ~ Feather Report |
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Back Island Birding with Naturalist Matt Arnold species list: Wild Turkey, Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Clapper Rail, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Willet, Laughing Gull, Forster’s Tern, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, American Crow, Fish Crow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Palm Warbler, Swamp Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Boat-tailed Grackle, House Finch, American Goldfinch. |
April 2, 2014 ~ Florida Horse Conch (Triplofusus giganteus) | |
![]() These extremely low tides have allowed us to find some neat things in the marsh. While on a Family Kayak, we spotted a large Horse Conch on one of the exposed mud bars in the Kiawah River. This shell was huge! At least 16 inches in length with the snail still alive! Kristen Lococo, Naturalist |
April 2, 2014 ~ American Mink (Mustela vison) | |
Today on our Dolphin Encounters we had a rare treat pay us a visit. While slowly driving through the mudflats I spotted what appeared to be a mink or river otter swimming across the river. We waited patiently for it to cross and show itself, and low and behold it was my first mink spotting of the year. Even better, it ran up on a large mudflat and ran across the top giving us a couple minutes to watch. A wonderful treat on a beautiful day in the Salt Marsh.
~Nick Boehm, Naturalist |
April 1, 2014 ~ American Mink (Mustela vison) | |
On my Twilight Paddle, we heard some noise in the marsh as we were winding around the creek. We turned the corner to find 2 American Mink pop out of the marsh and swim around us in the creek. My first I had ever seen in the marsh! Even crazier, the next day on my Family Kayak a guest pointed out a mink running along the edge of the marsh during low tide! A rareity! Kristen Lococo, Naturalist |
March 31, 2014 ~ Common Loon (Gavia immer) | |
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March 30, 2014 ~ Field Report | |
~Brad Schmoll, Captain/Naturalist |
March 28, 2014 ~ Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) |
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A very rare sighting on Kiawah. Photo by Liz King |
March 27, 2014 ~ Sea Cucumber (Holothuroidea) | |
While on a Family Kayak, we stopped at a Pluff mud bar to feel the mud and found this strange creature. It first appeared to be a piece of a starfish but after a closer look, it turned out to be a Striped Sea Cucumber! These animals are a part of the phylum Echinodermata which includes sea stars and sea urchins. They are often found burrowed in shallow areas, shaped like a boomerang, feeding on tiny organisms such as plankton. When a sea cucumber becomes stressed, it will voluntarily expel their inside organs to distract or disgust any predator trying to eat it. They will grow their organs back in several weeks. For more information on our Paddling Tours, visit our website or call the Nature Center at 843.768.6001. |
March 27, 2014 ~ Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) |
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First of the season Naturalist sighting of a Painted Bunting Previous Painted Bunting first of Season Naturalist sightings: |
March 27, 2014 ~ Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) | |
30+ Blue Winged Teal in Ibis Pond. Thank you Mr. Brenner for reporting his observations. |
March 27, 2014 ~ Feather Report | |
Back Island Birding with Naturalist Matt Arnold species list: Blue-winged Teal, Wild Turkey, Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Anhinga, Pied-billed Grebe, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, Black-crowned Night-heron, White Ibis, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Willet, Laughing Gull, Forster’s Tern, Mourning Dove, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Loggerhead Shrike, Blue Jay, American Crow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Northern Parula, Seaside Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Painted Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Boat-tailed Grackle, House Finch. |
March 26, 2014 ~ Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) | |
While searching for our next destination during Get Lost, we came across a Black Racer near the side of the road. This was the first one that I have come across of the year! This non-venomous snake is common around Kiawah and is faster than most other snakes, usually fleeing when approached. Racers are active during the daytime and eat a variety of prey including insects, lizards, rodents, and amphibians. Be on the lookout for more reptiles as the weather warms up! For more information on our Youth & Teen Activities, visit our website or call the Nature Center at 843.768.6001. |
March 23, 2014 ~ Red Knot (Calidris canutis) | |
While walking on Kiawah’s beach, 9 year old Olivia Davidson, her mom and grandmother came across the remains of a shorebird. Upon closer inspection, they could see that the bird was banded. They brought the bird into the Heron Park Nature Center, where it was identified as a Red Knot. Town Biologists, Jim Jordan and Aaron Given, were able to input the bird’s band number into a database. It revealed that the bird was originally banded on October 24, 2006 in North Brigantine Natural Area, New Jersey. Amazingly, the next siting occurred on April 9, 2010 on Kiawah Island, (additional resightings are listed below). Based on the condition of the bird, our Town Biologists believe it was most likely attacked by another bird, such as a Peregrine Falcon. By reporting this bird band, Olivia and family are helping research scientists across the globe learn more about Red Knots and their amazing migration. Resightings: 10/27/2011 – Avalon, New Jersey; 10/31/2011 – Avalon, New Jersey; 11/6/2011 – Avalon, New Jersey 11/7/2011 – Avalon, New Jersey; 11/8/2011 – Avalon, New Jersey; 11/8/2011 – Avalon, New Jersey; 11/9/2011 – Avalon, New Jersey; 11/14/2011; Avalon, New Jersey; 11/15/2011 – Avalon, New Jersey; 11/17/2011 – Avalon – North End, New Jersey; 11/22/2011 – Avalon, New Jersey; 10/18/2012 – Stone Harbor Point, New Jersey 10/25/2012 – Avalon, New Jersey; 10/26/2012 – Avalon, New Jersey; 11/5/2012 – Avalon, New Jersey 11/6/2012 – Avalon, New Jersey; 10/16/2013 – Sea Isle City – North end of town, New Jersey |
March 22, 2014 ~ Chuck-will’s-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis) |
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Naturalist, Matt Arnold, heard his first Chuck-will’s-widow tonight at Mingo Point! |
March 22, 2014 ~ Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) | |
If you spot any animal that is tagged while exploring Kiawah, please record the species, location, date and time, and if possible take a photograph. Send us the information through Facebook or Kiawah_Recreation@KiawahResort.com. We will forward the information to the proper authorities and hopefully we will be able to share some background information about this individual with you. |
March 20, 2014 ~ Northern Parula (Setophaga americana) | |
Tour: Teen Adventures: Get Lost Juliana reports that while on her morning Teen Adventures tour, she heard a Northern Parula in the Night Heron Park. This bird should be just returning from winter migration, but these birds can be found nesting in the Spanish Moss of Kiawah during the warmer months. For more information on teen activities, please visit our Website, or call the Nature Center at 843.768.6001. |
March 13, 2014 ~ Feather Report |
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Naturalists’ first of the season sighting: Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) at Blue Heron Pond. Back Island Birding species list: Hooded Merganser, Wild Turkey, Pied-billed Grebe, Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Wood Stork, White Ibis, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, American Coot, Killdeer, Black-necked Stilt, Laughing Gull, Forster’s Tern, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Fish Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Song Sparrow, Sharp-tailed Sparrow Spp., Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch. Matt Arnold, Naturalist |
March 8, 2014 ~ Feather Report | |
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March 3, 2014 ~ Field Report | |
Notable Species: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Osprey, Barred Owl, Ring-billed Gull, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Flicker, Northern Cardinal (photo by Pam Cohen), American Alligator. Kristen Lococo, Naturalist |
March 2, 2014 ~ Field Report | |
![]() It was a BEAUTIFUL day with no cloud in sight and temperatures in the low 70s, the perfect day to go Marsh Kayaking. We started down the river at a high tide, coasting towards Captain Sam’s Spit where we saw pelicans bomb diving for fish. As we winded through the creeks, we saw 2 adult Bald Eagles and a juvenile in a nest! It was an amazing sight. Today’s trip has me excited for Spring! Notable Species: Bald Eagle, Eastern Brown Pelican (photo), Sea Pickle, Sea Lettuce, Eastern Oyster, Great Egret, Bufflehead, Wood Stork. Naturalist: Kristen Lococo |
February 20, 2014 ~ Field Report | |
Dolphin activity was good from the mudflats to Captain Sam’s Inlet. Our Dolphin Encounters began at 1pm during a mid-tide with the water falling. Bird activity in the mudflats was moderate. We saw Osprey, Eastern Brown Pelicans, Willets, Forster’s Terns, Tri-colored Herons, cormorants, Belted Kingfishers, egrets, American Oystercatchers, and a host of various small wading birds in the distance. Our dolphin sighting did not happen until we reached Long Island on Seabrook. We briefly observed two dolphins, a mother and “baby”, cruising from the inlet toward Oyster Creek. The weather was very pleasant with temperatures in the low 60’s. The whole trip was very comfortable for all of us on the boat. We had guests from Michigan, Maryland- and a couple from Austria on the boat. The clear sky, warm afternoon and abundant wildlife made the memory of all of that ice and snow from a just few days before.. As we made our way from the dock back to the outpost, a juvenile bald eagle soared about 150 ft above us from the northeast and towards Andell Island. Perfect. |
February 20, 2014 ~ Field Report | |
Dolphin activity was good from the mudflats to Captain Sam’s Inlet. Our Dolphin Encounters began at 1pm during a mid-tide with the water falling. Bird activity in the mudflats was moderate. We saw Osprey, Eastern Brown Pelicans, Willets, Forster’s Terns, Tri-colored Herons, cormorants, Belted Kingfishers, egrets, American Oystercatchers, and a host of various small wading birds in the distance. Our dolphin sighting did not happen until we reached Long Island on Seabrook. We briefly observed two dolphins, a mother and “baby”, cruising from the inlet toward Oyster Creek. The weather was very pleasant with temperatures in the low 60’s. The whole trip was very comfortable for all of us on the boat. We had guests from Michigan, Maryland- and a couple from Austria on the boat. The clear sky, warm afternoon and abundant wildlife made the memory of all of that ice and snow from a just few days before.. As we made our way from the dock back to the outpost, a juvenile bald eagle soared about 150 ft above us from the northeast and towards Andell Island. Perfect. |
February 9, 2014 ~ Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | |
Today, our recreation staff Kristen Lococo and Sarah Chilton watched a Bobcat kitten who was “hanging out” in the brush by the nature center pounce on some breakfast! Although we cannot confirm, chances are this is Bobcat 350 “Hollywood’s” daughter. (see February 4th bobcat post). |
February 7, 2014 ~ Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) |
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February 6, 2014 ~ Feather Report | |
Tour: On today’s birding trip, I digiscoped this Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) with my phone. An additional highlight from the tour may be that we got good looks of a River Otter from the dock at Mingo. Species List: Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Red-necked Grebe (rare), Brown Pelican, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, White Ibis, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Bald Eagle, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Killdeer, Western Sandpiper, Ring-billed Gull, Forster’s Tern, Mourning Dove, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Eastern Phoebe, Blue Jay, American Crow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Boat-tailed Grackle, House Finch, American Goldfinch Interested in joining us for a Birding Tour? Call the Nature Center for more information and to make your reservation. 843.768.6001. |
February 6, 2014 ~ Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) | |
Nature Program Manager, Nick Boehm, just reported two Northern Harriers soaring over the Night Heron Park Soccer Field. |
February 4, 2014 ~ Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | |
Town Biologists caught their first 2 bobcats of 2014 as part of Kiawah’s ongoing Bobcat GPS Study. The first bobcat captured was a familar friend, Bobcat 700 from 2013. Her 2014 Collar is 350. Jim Jordan (lead Town Biologist) has affectionately named her, “Hollywood”. She has been featured on the local news, in magazine articles, on the Deadly 60 TV show, and will be featured in an upcoming National Geographic show this year. She is a fairly approachable cat and can frequently be seen at Night Heron Park and surrounding villas. The second cat caught was surprisingly “Hollywood’s” daughter from this past spring. She was PIT tagged as a 10-day old kitten on April 3, 2013 near Windswept Villas and was captured this week near Parkside Villas. Unfortunately, she was too young to be collared. |
February 4, 2014 ~ Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena) | |
Photo: Digiscoped (with a cell phone) by Naturalist Matt Arnold. |
February 4, 2014 ~ White-winged Scoter (Melanitta deglandi) |
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January 30, 2014 ~ Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) | |
Photo by Jamie Rood |
January 29, 2014 ~ Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | |
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January 25, 2014 ~ Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) | |
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January 19, 2014 ~ Field Report: Shelling Expedition | |
Tour: Shelling Expedition Species: Bald Eagle, Bottlenose Dolphin, Knobbed Whelk, Lettered Olive, Pen shell, Baby’s Ear, Giant Cockle Clam, Horseshoe Crab, Brown Pelican, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant, White-winged Scoter. It was a blustery day on the motorboat, but the bright sunshine warmed us up. A flush of Buffleheads flew past our boat as we headed out to Botany Island. We paused our trip when a mother and calf dolphin surfaced the water for a breath of air. Once we landed on Botany, our eyes were glued to sand. We found plenty of South Carolina’s state seashell, the Lettered Olive, and an array of Baby’s Ears. After selecting a few unique seashells, we continued our boat ride to a Bald Eagle’s nest in search of hatchlings. At first there was no white head to be seen in the nest, until an adult flew over and perched picture perfect in a nearby tree. You never know what will pop up at Botany! Interested in one of our Motorboat Excursions? Call the Nature Center at 843.768.6001 for more information and to make your reservation. |
January 16, 2014 ~ Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) | |
On a Back Island Birding tour this morning, Naturalist Juliana Smith spotted this juvenile bald eagle. Bald Eagles are common here in the winter and will head north as warm spring temperatures approach. Interested in a Back Island Birding tour? Call the Nature Center at 843.768.6001 for more information. |
January 12, 2014 ~ Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | |
Kiawah Island guests Terra, Jody and Elle Graham spotted this bobcat today near the Sanctuary. Check out the Wildlife at Kiawah page for more information about the bobcats residing on our island. |
January 3, 2014 ~ Feather Report | |
Fifty-one participants braved the cold and windy conditions to count birds for the Sea Islands CBC. Across 15 different territories covering Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Wadmalaw Island, and John’s Island, we recorded 24,067 individuals of 154 different species (6 more species than last year). Species highlights included Long-tailed Duck, American White Pelican, Peregrine Falcon, Wilson’s Plover, American Woodcock, Winter Wren, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Vesper Sparrow, Painted Bunting, Purple Finch, and Rusty Blackbird. Some notable misses included Blue-winged Teal, Marsh Wren, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and House Sparrow. Click here to check out the full list. Interested in learning more about the birds of Kiawah? Join our Naturalists on one of our birding tours, such as Back Island Birding or Birding for Beginners. Call the Nature Center at 843.768.6001 for more information and to book your trip. |