Check back soon for the photos....
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Saturday, April 20, 2024
2024 Charleston Race Week at Patriots Point
2024 Race Locations Map |
Team Flamingo sailing inshore |
To read my feature article on 2024 CRW in the Post and Courier click on Tideline.
To view past blog entries from Charleston Race Week click on 2021 - 2018- 2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Saturday, March 30, 2024
2024 Southeast Shorebird Festival - Kiawah Island Events
2024 Logo |
Beachwalker Park Shorebird Walk March 28 on Kiawah |
To read my feature article on the 2024 SE Shorebird Festival click on Tideline.
To view past blog entries on shorebirds click 2023 Tom Yawkey Center - 2023 Wings Over Beaufort Festival - 2023 Hunting Island State Park - 2022 Harbor Island Shorebird Walk- 2020 Shorebird Protection on Botany Bay WMA - 2018 Shorebirds Talk at Seabrook Island Birders - 2017 Shorebird Symposium by Kiawah Conservancy - 2016 Spring Shorebird Synergy - 2016 The Narrow Edge Book Review - 2015 Manomet Workshop at Yawkey Preserve - 2015 World Shorebird Day - 2014 Moon Bird Book Review - 2014 / Inaugural World Shorebird Day
To view past blog entries from Kiawah Island click 2023 Bird Banding Program - Roots Magazine - 2023 Sea Islands Shorebird Festival - 2023 Earth Day - 2019 Record Turtle Nests - 2018 2.0 Expansion Plan - 2017 Shorebird Symposium - 2012 PGA Championship - 2011 Sea Turtle Release with S.C. Aquarium
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
2024 Hammock Coast Birding Festival
Bonaparte's Gull blending in with Hooded Mergansers |
Western Kingbird at Brookgreen Garden |
“I am a botanist, but I appreciate the birding and charm of the Hammock Coast,” said McMillan. “I stand at 2642 Life Birds all time. Once I saw a bird with a leg band in the Lowcountry, and then when I was filming the TV show in Chile, I saw the same bird after its remarkable migration.” McMillan went on to state that S.C. is a weigh station for migrating shorebirds, and that he also marvels at hummingbirds. He implored birders to promote conservation when they can, and cited how native Americans created shell rings with oyster shells 5000-years ago that are still creating botanical and birding habitat today.
White Pelicans jockey for position |
Great Blue Heron with Siren and shorebirds |
Later that afternoon the Center for Birds of Prey came to Atalaya Castle to give a flight demonstration with their captive raptors. A Mississippi Kite and a Red-tailed hawk thrilled the birders, as staffer Addie Cater answered any questions about the birds. Saving the best for last, Carter surprised organizers and birders by releasing a rehabilitated Barred Owl into the woods besides the castle, saying that this was a great place for that bird to restart living in the wild after a brief hospital stay with them. Surely, this was the best sighting of the entire weekend.
Day Two at Brookgreen Gardens began at dawn, so it’s a good thing I was staying nearby at the Brookwood Inn. I saw a wood duck fly over, and heard its cry, which was immediately answered by a loud gobble by an unseen turkey nearby in the woods. Our grounp would later see that turkey strutting in a sure sign that Spring is nearing. A visit to their Zoo allowed for close up looks at waterfowl and wading birds for photographers. Besides the bird statues at the Brookgreen Zoo, the Red Wolf Ridge enclosure is a must see, but then its time to get back to birding!
To view the entire story in Trilogy Outdoors click on the March Issue.
To view past stories from Trilogy Outdoors click on Pheasant Tower Shoot - Release Over 20 - 2023 Hawk Watch - Kiawah Bird Banding - 2023 Crappie Camp - Early Birds of September - SCDNR Salt Fishing Clinics - Silver King Makes Big Splash - S.C. Mahi Series - 2023 Yawkey Wildlife Center - 2023 Hammock Coast Birding Festival - 2023 Lowcountry Oyster Festival - 2022 Sea Turtle Season - Navigating an S.C. Public Draw Deer Hunt - Crappie Camp - Blessings of a Sporting Father
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
2024 Santee Big Cat Brawl Week - Hill's Landing
Catfish Whiskers up close |
Scott and Gauge Peavy with heaviest Catfish at Hill's Landing March 13 |
To read my Big Cat Brawl Preview story click on Tideline.
To view past stories in Tideline click on Marsh Tacky Horses - Five Birding Hotspots
Blue Cat on left and Channel Cat on Right |
Catfish Boats at Hill's Landing |
Saturday, March 9, 2024
2024 Carolina Marsh Tacky Association - Pigs and Pearls Benefit
Shannon Hawkins enjoys CMTA oysters |
CMTA Horse Blanket on Auction |
To read my feature article on CMTA click on Tideline.
To view past blog entries on CMTA click on 2022 Pigs and Pearls
Lots more CMTA events in '24 |
Nice venue for Pigs and Pearls Benefit |
Friday, March 1, 2024
2024 Birding Journal Observations - January / February
Hen wood duck on nest box in Feb. 2024 |
In other observations, waterfowl sightings in the Lowcountry were plentiful in general, especially in known locations such as Tom Yawkey Center. Roseate spoonbill sightings were a little less this winter in my opinion, but not alarming in any way. Perhaps a few less tundra swans at Bear Island this year too, but in general the ACE Basin still stands as a welcoming station for swans, spoonbills and other avian life that might want (or need) to find a safe place to visit.
To view my article about 5 Fun Birding Destinations click on Tideline.
To view reports from 2024 Christmas Bird Counts click on Yemassee - Edisto - Palmetto Bluff
To view the most recent Birding Journal Observations click on November / December 2023
To view past Birding Journal Observations from January / February click on 2023 - 2022 - 2021- 2017- 2016- 2015- 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Pheasant Tower Shoot Aims for Fellowship
Pheasants in the morning sun on Jan. 20 |
D and G Outdoors in Holly Hill, S.C. holds a pheasant tower shoot most Saturday’s in January and February. They have a staff that cleans the pheasants so that you leave with some protein in a Ziploc bag ready for some sporting supper. They also provide several dog handlers and retrievers that will collect and bring any wayward pheasants to hand. At the end of their morning shoot, a hot meal of barbecue, hash and rice is served so that the shooters might enjoy some fellowship and reflect on the hunt. After the January 20 pheasant tower shoot host Tommy Dantzler gave the blessing before lunch and was glad to answer any questions about future hunts.
The bottom-line on price for a blind at a pheasant tower shoot will vary, and is likely tied to the number of shooters allowed in a blind at any site. First timers can do well at pheasant tower shoots because the day’s format is repetitive, and easy to grasp. A strong wind in a certain direction can affect the flight of the birds, but in general it pays to watch every bird in flight, staying ready when your next chance to shoot comes winging by.
To view the entire story in Trilogy Outdoors click on February Issue.
To view past stories from Trilogy Outdoors click on Release Over 20 - 2023 Hawk Watch - Kiawah Bird Banding - 2023 Crappie Camp - Early Birds of September - SCDNR Salt Fishing Clinics - Silver King Makes Big Splash - S.C. Mahi Series - 2023 Yawkey Wildlife Center - 2023 Hammock Coast Birding Festival - 2023 Lowcountry Oyster Festival - 2022 Sea Turtle Season - Navigating an S.C. Public Draw Deer Hunt - Crappie Camp - Blessings of a Sporting Father
Monday, February 19, 2024
2024 SEWE Sunday - Sporting Round Up
Possibly my favorite 2024 artwork |
Sunday, February 18, 2024
2024 SEWE Saturday - Brittlebank Park and Sporting Showroom
Quail Village at Brittlebank |
Dock Dogs 25th |
Viewing decoys and firearms at the Marriott is a great option for the enthusiast that likely is happy to review the treasures that only assemble once a year at SEWE. Sporting antiques are in high demand here, and a host of destination hunting lodges offer places for patrons to dream of going. Many of these vendors come every year to SEWE and are familiar faces to locals, but their expertise helps many to better understand any purchase of items that are sure to join other cherished memories from SEWE shopping.
To view past blog entries from SEWE Saturday click on 2023 - 2022 - 2018 - 2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014- 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009
Engraving on shotgun |
Marriott Hotel |
Saturday, February 17, 2024
2024 SEWE Friday - Marion Square / DU Oyster Roast
Busch Wildlife staff and critters |
Ducks Unlimited Oyster Roast |
Our paths diverged as I attended some Duck Unlimited events including a brunch with the DU board, and an oyster roast with the S.C. state chapter at the Charleston Visitors Center Bus Shed. At brunch the sweet potato biscuits and the shrimp salad sandwiches kept the waterfowl enthusiasts from going hungry, as everyone offered their hometowns with some coming as far away as Arkansas and Mississippi to be at SEWE. The evening oyster roast featured fresh, local, salty clusters that were readily shucked and slurped by experts and newbies alike. A buffet featuring shrimp and grits was the perfect seafood encore and then sponsors adjourned to the Camden Room to dine on prime rib and to get started bidding on auction items.
To view past blog entries from SEWE Friday click on 2023 - 2018 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009
Friday Friends at SEWE |
African yellow-billed kite acquiring food in flight |
Monday, February 12, 2024
Brookwood Inn - Murrells Inlet / New Ownership
Sea Turtles and SeaShells add Ambiance |
Open the Double Doors for a Private Viewing Area |
My stay in the outbuilding known as The Alamo, due to its architectural outline, was comfy and quiet. A king-sized bed and spacious main room with brand new tile floor segues to an efficiency kitchen with fridge, stove and sink area with coffee maker. The bathroom is well lit and paintings of an egret and sea turtle help bring beachy decor to mind. A private porch with two rocking chairs overlooks a saltwater inlet with a woodline that is teeming with bird life. In fact, the mild weather (is this February?) allowed me to throw open the double-doors and enjoy birdwatching from my room! Kingfisher, hermit thrush, cardinal and robin were just a few of the birds I spotted. The Brookwood Inn is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, and is standing the test of time quite well.
To view past blog entries about Lodging and Outdoor Adventure click on Riverview Hotel / St. Mary's, Ga. - Gross Savanne / Lake Charles, LA - Orchard Inn / Saluda, NC - Partridge Inn / Augusta, GA - Belmont Inn / Abbesville, SC - Planters Inn / Savannah, GA - Lonesome Valley / Cashiers, NC - Barnsley Resort / Adairsville, GA - Little St. Simon's GA - Wanna B Inn / Englewood, FL - Old McCaskill Farm, Rembert, SC - River Palms / Jenson beach, FL - Bald Head Island / South Port, NC - Redfish Lodge / Rockport, TX - Tarpon Lodge / Pine Island, FL
The Alamo - stand alone cottage |
Relaxing Lowcountry Setting |