Twitcher’s Patch: the Birding Blog of Hilton Head Island
The blog's title merges “twitcher,” a term for avid birders, with “patch,” a casual name for a favorite birdwatching spot. Explore the unique charm of birding and photography on Hilton Head Island and throughout the Lowcountry, where natural beauty and diverse habitats create unforgettable experiences.
The Winter Charm of the Hermit Thrush
Discover the quiet charm of the Hermit Thrush, a winter visitor to Hilton Head Island. Learn about its unique migration patterns, nesting habits, and hauntingly beautiful song. Explore how this elusive bird thrives in the cooler months and why it holds a special place in backyard birding.
Gray Days, Colorful Birds: Photographing Shorebirds in Mist and Fog
Capture the beauty of shorebirds like Black Skimmers on gray days with expert photography tips. Learn how to make the most of overcast skies to highlight vivid colors, enhance feather details, and create stunning bird images. Discover techniques for adjusting camera settings, composing with intention, and using selective masking in post-processing for a polished final image. Perfect for nature photographers who want to elevate their bird photography in challenging light conditions.
A Winter Walk Through Pinckney Island NWR
Discover the serene beauty of Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge in winter. From soaring white pelicans to quiet marsh dwellers, experience the seasonal transition before the vibrant rookery nesting season begins in March.
Mindful Birding: A New Year’s Practice for Wellness and Connection
Discover the calming benefits of birding as a mindfulness practice. Learn how to find peace and presence in nature with tips for creating a "sit spot," observing bird behavior, and connecting with the rhythms of the natural world. Perfect for enhancing mental health and starting the New Year with intention.
December’s Frosty Glow: Birding at Donnelley WMA and Beyond
Experience the beauty of winter birding in the Lowcountry at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, Bear Island’s Mary’s Pond, and the Bailey Road Impoundments. Discover over 30 bird species, including Bald Eagles, White Pelicans, and Great Egrets, against a backdrop of frost-covered marshes and golden dawn hues. Capture the magic of foggy ponds, vibrant winter landscapes, and rare sightings like Roseate Spoonbills and Wood Ducks. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers, this frosty birding adventure highlights the breathtaking wildlife and scenery of South Carolina’s wetlands.
Colombia Birding Part 3: Dona Dora
Explore the unforgettable birding experience at Doña Dora’s sanctuary in Colombia’s Pacific Cloud Forest. From the iconic Toucan Barbet to mesmerizing hummingbirds, discover rare species, vibrant nature, and warm hospitality.
Colombia Birding Part 2: The Fincas
Explore the vibrant birding destinations of Colombia's western Andes in Part 2 of our birdwatching adventure. Discover the rich biodiversity of local fincas, including Araucana Lodge, La Florida El Bosque del Los Aves, and San Felipe. From stunning saffron finches to elusive chestnut wood quail, experience diverse species, lush landscapes, and local farm-to-table cuisine in these protected, bird-rich areas. Perfect for nature lovers and birding enthusiasts looking to connect with Colombia’s unique wildlife in beautiful, tranquil settings.
Colombia Birding Part 1: The Cali-Buenaventura Road
Explore the breathtaking Pacific slope of the Andes in Colombia, from Cali’s vibrant streets to rustic fincas. Discover cool mountain air, rich biodiversity, and unforgettable birding adventures at Araucana Lodge and beyond.
Tides, Winds, and Egrets: A Post-Hurricane Marsh Experience
After Hurricane Milton passed offshore, I found myself immersed in a rare, up-close encounter with two egrets feeding in a storm-swept marsh. As the tide receded, Snowy and Great Egrets feasted on large shrimp, pushed inland by the surge, circling just feet from my lens. In 'Tides, Winds, and Egrets: A Post-Hurricane Marsh Experience,' I share the stunning details of this unforgettable moment in nature.
A Desert Dawn: Birdwatching at First Light
Explore the beauty of dawn in the high desert as you journey through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Discover the unique birdwatching experiences at sunrise, from the vibrant sounds of Acorn Woodpeckers in Flagstaff to the quiet solitude of Moab's ravens. Join me on a photographic adventure through breathtaking landscapes and diverse birdlife, capturing the essence of the Southwest.
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.