Twitcher’s Patch: the Birding Blog of Hilton Head Island
The blog title blends “twitcher” which relates to birders, with “patch,” a casual term for a birdwatching spot. Discover what sets birding and photography on Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry apart.
Shelter from the Storm: Shorebirds, Seabirds and more
During Tropical Storm Debby, shorebirds on Hilton Head Island huddled together for shelter, with smaller species like dunlins and least sandpipers using larger birds as windbreaks. Early migrants such as whimbrels and marbled godwits were found among the flocks, highlighting the start of shorebird migration in mid-August. Seabirds, including four species of terns and Black Skimmers, also sought refuge in the marshes, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of coastal wildlife during extreme weather.
The Misunderstood Northern Mockingbird: A Closer Look
A closer look at the misunderstood Northern Mockingbirds.
A Fleeting Moment in the Eye of a Bird Photographer
A "fleeting moment" refers to a very brief period of time that passes quickly and often unexpectedly. It is a transient, ephemeral instance that is over almost as soon as it begins, making it memorable and often significant because of its brevity. Fleeting moments are often cherished or noted for their beauty, rarity, or emotional impact, highlighting the impermanence and preciousness of certain experiences.
Red-Eyed Herons: A Look at the Yellow-Crowned and Black-Crowned Night Herons
Learn how to identify Yellow-crowned Night Herons and Black-crowned Night Herons based on their appearance, vocalization foraging methods and habitat preferences. Both species of birds are present on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
South Carolina State Seabird: The Eastern Brown Pelican
The Eastern Brown Pelican is the new official seabird of the state of South Carolina.
The inspiration behind “Flight through the Season: Discover Birding and Photography in the Lowcountry of Hilton Head Island”
Read about the inspiration and motivation behind my new book Flight through the Seasons: Discover Birding and Photography in the Lowcountry of Hilton Head Island.
The Underbelly of a Rookery
Explore the hidden world of a wading bird rookery, where the symphony of calls and the rustling of feathers create an enchanting auditory landscape. Journey through the underbelly of these coastal sanctuaries in South Carolina to witness the bustling activity of nesting birds like the Black-crowned Night Heron, Great Egret, and Snowy Egret, alongside the protective presence of alligators. Gain insights into the delicate balance of nature as you uncover the interconnected relationships between birds and their habitat, offering invaluable opportunities for bird photography and deepening your appreciation for the wonders of the Lowcountry.
The Curious Case of the Female Flock
When a large flock of female red-winged blackbirds frequented my backyard feeders I was curious why no males are among them.
How to (safely) photograph birds out in the marshes and mudflats
My tips on how to safely photographs birds in the marshes and mudflats on the Lowcountry of South Carolina.