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.
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.