2018 Birding Journal Observations - November / December

Muscovy duck parade on James Island in November 2018

A return to regular rainfall in November saw smaller incremental amounts falling weekly, and then when multiple inches of rain came in December, the hardwood bottomlands began to shine. It's been a regular weather pattern lately, except for a few warmer than usual stretches that causes the grass to grow just a bit. My birding observations are also following normal patterns right now, with the number one sighting lately around the Lowcountry being the pine warble in fine yellow plumage.

This post marks the beginning of the TENTH ANNIVERSARY YEAR of my Lowcountry Outdoors blog, and to view my first ever Birding Journal Observation post click on
January / February 2009.

The uptick in hawk sightings is also normal, as the raptors migrate into the South while the cold of winter grips the Northeastern states. Migratory ducks and geese are present but seem to stay tightly gathered in only a few places, so that overall sightings are less, but it always pays to keep looking for new birds to show up with cold fronts, full moons and severe weather. My sighting of an immature bald eagle on November 6 was particularly rewarding.

Other sightings include towhee, cardinal, dove, Canada goose, yellow-rumped warbler, chipping sparrow, tufted titmouse, downy woodpecker, yellow-bellied sapsucker, Carolina wren, kestrel, kingfisher, Carolina chickadee, red-bellied woodpecker, ruby-crowned kinglet, brown thrasher and great blue heron.

To view the most recent birding journal observations click on September / October 2018

To view past Birding Journal Observations for Nov. / Dec. click on  2017 - 2016 -2015 - 2014 - 2013- 2012 - 2011 - 2010