2026 Birding Journal Observations - July / August

Yellow Crowned Night Heron on July 5

 

Prolonged drought remained the headline for the Lowcountry throughout the entire calendar year of 2026 with little relief coming from the afternoon thunderstorms and tropical systems of a more typical annual weather pattern. Placing fresh water in bird baths, especially during times of high heat index values, is a great way to befriend your backyard birds in order to help them cool down. Depsite these climactic conditions there was no real change to the summer bird line up including blue grosbeak, painted bunting and summer tanager. And ruby-throated hummingbird activity peaked in July and August.

To view the most recent Birding Journal Observations click on May / June 2026 

To view past Birding Journal Observations from July / August click on 2025 - 2024 -  2023-  2022 -  2021-  2018- 2017- 2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2009  

Male Summer Tanager July 2

 

2026 Birding Journal Observations - May / June

Swallow-tailed Kite from June 5

A prolonged and severe drought continued to grip the Lowcountry, while the Midlands and Upstate received some relief via a return to regular precipitation rated. The arid outdoor conditions presents an opportunity for birders to create bird friendly yards where fresh water is offered daily, or every other day.

To view past Birding Journal Observations from May / June click on 2025 - 2024 - 2023 - 2021 - 2018- 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 

Red-Shouldered Hawk on June 19

2026 Tall Ship - U.S. Coast Guard / Barque Eagle

She came into Charleston Harbor the weekend of June 13 and was open for free public tours for three days!

To view past blog entries on Tall Ships click on Norway's Sorlandet - Spain's Nao Trinidad -  2012 Savannah Challenge -  2009 Charleston HarborFest - Spirit of Carolina

 To view past blog entries from wooden boats click on EOS - Windy - Grace- Aphrodite - Osprey - Annalee - Hinckley

 

2026 Carolina Ladies Billfish Classic - Team Reelin' In Wins

The third year of the Carolina Ladies Billfish Classic was fished under ideal weather conditions, and Team Reelin' In won the overall competition fishing about Palmetto Guard. 

To view past blog entries from the CLBC click on 2025 - 2024 

2026 S.C. Mahi Awards - Team Lil' Hooker Wins

Jon Cameron, Chad Reese and Capt. John Rypczyk 

Congrats to Team Lil' Hooker out of Murrell's Inlet for winning the 2026 S.C. Mahi Series.  Capt. John Rypczyk, Jon Cameron and Chad Reese fished on a brand new 36-foot Yellowfin boat with triple Yamaha 350's and won their inaugural tourney. Their very first fish caught in the new boat came on Day One of their fish days on May 4 when a 38-pound mahi hit the deck at 6:26 AM and it ended up counting towards their winning two-fish aggregate. On their Day Two of fishing on May 20 they added a 48.6-pound stud mahi to their tally - and it ended up being good enough for First Place, They had a slick calm ocean on both days but on the second day Cameron did not get a textbook gaff on the big bull dolphin and it nearly got away right beside the boat. Luckily they can laugh about that twist of fate all the way to the bank today!

To view past blog entries from the S.C. Mahi Series Click on 2025 - 2024 - 2023 - 2022 - 2021

2026 Master Naturalist Hike at Dungannon

A morning hike

Peering down into a hardwood bottomland swamp

in Hollywood at Dunganon is a great way to view

Be on the lookout for critters

nature. 

 To view past blog entries about Master Naturalist  click on State Naturalist Programs - Walterboro Hike

2026 Birding Journal Observations - January / February

To view past birding

Egret and Ibis 

journal observations for Jan/Feb click on 2025 - 2024 - 2022- 2021 - 2020 - 2018-  2017 - 2016 - 2015 - 2014 - 2013- 2012 - 2011 - 2010