2026 Yemassee - Audubon Christmas Bird Count

 Check back soon for the report from Sunday January 4, 2026.

2026 Edisto Island - Christmas Bird Count

 Check back soon for the report and photos.....

2025 Birding Journal Observations - November / December

Hooded mergansers on New Year's Eve

Warm and dry conditions translated into incipient drought by Thanksgiving and into the New Year. Anytime it gets dry a bird bath or water source can be an excellent place to watch for birds. No significant changes in migration were evident though, and seasonal sightings continued on par heading into the Christmas Bird Count season.

For past Birding Journal Observations from November / December click on 2024 -  2023- 2022- 2021 - 2020 - 2018-  2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013- 2012 - 2011 - 2010 

Yellow-bellied sapsucker on Dec. 6

New Year's Eve Toast to 2025

Lifelong Saltwater Angler at Work on Dec. 25

This is my 17th Annual Toast to following the outdoors trail and bringing my stories and photos to like-minded folks. The season cycle continues annually, but the whiplash weather cycles can make those seasons harder to identify so with all things in life we must adjust. This makes most serious outdoors people amateur weather watchers also. Besides, being out in the extreme cold or in some other inclement weather can also add flavor to your tale of outdoor adventure. 

I remain grateful to the publications and organizations that chose to work with this veteran writer and photographer in 2025. Hunting and Fishing subject matter is always fun, but Conservation stories may prove to be the most valuable as we fight to protect and save unspoiled outdoors places. Cheers to South Carolina Wildlife magazine and the SCDNR, Mossy Oak Gamekeepers magazine, Tideline (online) with the Post and Courier and Scuttlebutt SE boating magazine.

To view past blog entries from my New Year's Eve Toast click on 2024 - 2023 -

- 2022 - 2021 - 2020- 2019- 2018- 2017- 2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 

Leading Master Naturalist group through Santee NWR

2025 Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center - Christmas Bird Count

This was an outing on December 18 that coincided with the 10th Winyah Bay Christmas Bird Count. 

Dunlin and Dowitchers come in for a landing

To view past blog entries from the Yawkey Center click on 2024 Winter Birding -  2023 Fall Birding -  2023 Formula For Success - 2023 Winter Photo Safari -  2018 Walk Through History - 2016 Birding Tour - 2015 Shorebirds with Manomet - 2015 Yawkey Legacy Story 

Looking for Sea Ducks on South Island

2025 Waterfowler's Wish List

 To view the feature article in the newspaper click on Post and Courier. 

Waterfowler with Benelli shotgun and Boykin Spaniel

Quickcoys motion decoys

CCA/SC Red Drum Acoustic Telemetry; Red Snapper Momentum

 To read the feature story in the newspaper click on Post and Courier.