2021 Lowcountry Hunt - Coosaw Plantation Meet

First flight charging towards a jump

The fall foliage in the Lowcountry has been at peak for the past two weeks and everyone driving the roads to sporting engagements is raving about the red, yellow and rust colors. Ample sunshine and cool fall temps embraced the hounds and riders of the Lowcountry Hunt on Saturday November 27 at Coosaw Plantation. Just take the paved road, until it turns into a dirt road, and then when that road ends, then you have arrived - these same directions will take you to the best places along the coast.

Relaxed riders at the Oak Alley

From the time the hounds were released until the tie they were gathered again, the pack was nearly silent with no game being jumped during this hunt. A small doe on the move was spotted by the Tally Ho wagon, but the hounds will not engage a deer. The field this day included riders from Aiken and Thompson, Georgia as well as local fox hunting enthusiasts. Three flights of riders rambled across the landscape and testing a jump or two, but in the end it was Coosaw Plantation that shined brightest on this day, including the social hour hospitality at the end of the hunt along the banks of the Coosaw River. 

Social Hour under the Oaks at Coosaw

To view past blog entries from Lowcountry Hunt click on 2021 Opening Hunt / Airy Hall - 2013 Hunt Weekend - 2013 Hunt Weekend / Photos - 2012 Airy Hall - 2011 Closing Meet / Airy Hall - 2010 Closing Meet / Airy Hall

To view past blog entries about recent field trips click on 2021 Nemours Plantation / Fall Birding - 2021 Coastal Exploration / South Fenwick Island - 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Lighthouse and Beach - 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Wildlife Sightings - 2021 Coastal Exploration / Bennett's Point- 2021 Edisto Canoe and Kayak Commission - 2021 Congaree / Swamp Plants - 2021 Congaree - Swamp Critters - 2021 Furman University - 2021 Givhans Ferry State Park -  2021 Spring Island - Reptiles and Amphibians - 2021 Spring Island / Plants and Insects - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Wildlife - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Vistas - 2021 Beidler Forest / Flora and Fauna - 2021 Beidler Forest - Name That Snake - 2021 Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - 2021 Nemours Plantation Birding

To view past Field Notes and Photos click  January 2021 -  July 2020 -  June 2020 -  March 2020 - June 2019 - July 2018 - February 2018 -  December 2017 - September 2017 - January 2017- December 2016 - June 2016 - February 2016- December 2015 - October 2015 - September 2015 - August 2015 - July 2015 - June 2015 - February 2105 - October 2014 -  September 2014 - August 2014 - June 2014 - March 2012 - February 2012 - October 2011 - September 2011 

Hounds running down the runway

2021 Nemours Wildlife Foundation - Fall Birding Trip

Black-necked stilt

With the fall foliage in the Lowcountry awash in the hues of red and yellow (and green), the cloudy weather day resulted in good birding for the group led by master naturalist Chris Marsh. Bald eagle migration has been in motion since early November, and mature eagles return to territory and nests that they revisit for years. They must defend against other mature bald eagles, and they also must vanquish immature bald eagles just trying to hang around. Not long after we hopped on the wagon for a ride through the Nemours Wildlife Foundation property, a pair of mature bald eagles cleared a tree line, and then locked talons and committed to a downward spiral the ended when they reached a grove of pine trees, causing the birds to separate. It was a National Geographic moment that happened so fast, it was not captured on film, but will be the stuff of lore for the birders present on this day. 

Common gallinule and American alligator

Caspain tern

As we continued to witness bald eagles all day long, including an up close look at an active bald eagle nest, many other species of birds were more photogenic. Visiting an impoundment near the Combahee River we could see migratory blue-winged teal in the distance, which is a sure sign of waterfall migration. At an inland impoundment we saw a mixed bag of wading birds and marsh birds. A Caspian tern was diving into the water and feeding on small fish in a deeper section of water. Shallow water turned up a pair of black-necked stilts, which usually migrate South to a more tropical zone, but with the delay of cooler weather they have not departed yet. And a pair of common gallinules were walking the marsh, careful not to disturb resting alligators. 

Loggerhead shrike on picturesque perch

To view past blog entries about recent field trips click on 2021 Coastal Exploration / South Fenwick Island - 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Lighthouse and Beach - 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Wildlife Sightings - 2021 Coastal Exploration / Bennett's Point- 2021 Edisto Canoe and Kayak Commission - 2021 Congaree / Swamp Plants - 2021 Congaree - Swamp Critters - 2021 Furman University - 2021 Givhans Ferry State Park -  2021 Spring Island - Reptiles and Amphibians - 2021 Spring Island / Plants and Insects - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Wildlife - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Vistas - 2021 Beidler Forest / Flora and Fauna - 2021 Beidler Forest - Name That Snake - 2021 Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - 2021 Nemours Plantation Birding

To view my most recent Birding Journal Observations click on September / October 2021

To view past Field Notes and Photos click  January 2021 -  July 2020 -  June 2020 -  March 2020 - June 2019 - July 2018 - February 2018 -  December 2017 - September 2017 - January 2017- December 2016 - June 2016 - February 2016- December 2015 - October 2015 - September 2015 - August 2015 - July 2015 - June 2015 - February 2105 - October 2014 -  September 2014 - August 2014 - June 2014 - March 2012 - February 2012 - October 2011 - September 2011 

2021 Coastal Exploration Series - South Fenwick Island

A dense maritime forest blankets South Fenwick Island

Driving to the end of Bennett's Point Road leads to the heart of the ACE Basin and the southernmost part of Colleton County. The S.C. Department of Natural Resources McKenzie Field Station is located next to the public boat ramp on Mosquito Creek. Their Coastal Exploration Series took a crew of 20 members of the public by boat to South Fenwick Island for a very unique tour via open air wagon pulled by a pick-up truck. A tractor, two trucks and the trailer are pre-positioned on South Fenwick Island, and they have built a dock that is accessible to the public. Much of South Fenwick Island is owned by SCDNR, but there are at least three small private property tracts too, and each property line is clearly marked.

Public dock and SCDNR transport skiff

South Fenwick Island is open to the public for hiking and has multiple camp sites, but it is only accessible by boat. The Army Corps of Engineers dug a canal for the IntraCoastal Waterway through Fenwick Island, creating the Southern portion that is now one of the many protected islands in the ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve. A bow-hunting season for deer is conducted during the first two weeks in October. A freshwater lake and several ephemeral wetlands and tidal creeks are home to a wide variety of bird life including wading birds, raptors and songbirds. A prescribed fire program is a part of the management scheme on South Fenwick, and a focus on native pollinator plants is a part of their future goals.

Tabby Ruins indicate man's past presence

Shed antlers found on South Fenwick Island

To view past blog entries about recent field trips click on 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Lighthouse and Beach - 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Wildlife Sightings - 2021 Coastal Exploration / Bennett's Point- 2021 Edisto Canoe and Kayak Commission - 2021 Congaree / Swamp Plants - 2021 Congaree - Swamp Critters - 2021 Furman University - 2021 Givhans Ferry State Park -  2021 Spring Island - Reptiles and Amphibians - 2021 Spring Island / Plants and Insects - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Wildlife - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Vistas - 2021 Beidler Forest / Flora and Fauna - 2021 Beidler Forest - Name That Snake - 2021 Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - 2021 Nemours Plantation Birding 

2021 Hunting Island State Park - Lighthouse and Beach

Hunting Island Lighthouse

Hunting Island State Park is the last stop on Highway 21 before crossing the bridge to Fripp Island. The beach has recently been renourished after erosion caused by Hurricane Matthew, and has received replenished sand several times in recent history. Sunny skies and low tide made for picture perfect conditions to visit the beach, and besides a few tourists in town to climb the lighthouse, the beach was mostly empty. Several bald eagles were sighted, and with top tier raptors in the mix, one can tell that the entire food chain and ecosystem is intact and essential to the Lowcountry. New sand fencing along the dunes and lots of freshly planted sea oats stand out, plus the steel jetty running down the beach to the rock jetty has been paved over in concrete. Sand dollars and other sea shells were present at the waterline.

New concrete groin on beach

To view past blog entries about recent field trips click on 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Wildlife Sightings - 2021 Coastal Exploration / Bennett's Point- 2021 Edisto Canoe and Kayak Commission - 2021 Congaree / Swamp Plants - 2021 Congaree - Swamp Critters - 2021 Furman University - 2021 Givhans Ferry State Park - 

Where the maritime forest meets the Atlantic Ocean

2021 Spring Island - Reptiles and Amphibians - 2021 Spring Island / Plants and Insects - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Wildlife - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Vistas - 2021 Beidler Forest / Flora and Fauna - 2021 Beidler Forest - Name That Snake - 2021 Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - 2021 Nemours Plantation Birding 

Boneyard Beach with fresh Palmetto tree casualty 

To view past blog entries about S.C. State Parks click 2017 Hunting Island- Barnwell - Hickory Knob - Huntington Beach - Hampton Plantation - Edisto Beach 

To view past blog entries about Lighthouses click on Georgetown - Ocracoke - Oak Island - Tybee - Bald Head - Outer Banks

2021 Hunting Island State Park - Wildlife Sightings

Sanderlings scour the beach for food

Hunting Island State Park is the last stop on Highway 21 before crossing the bridge to Fripp Island. The beach has recently been renourished, and the fishing pier at the Nature Center has been rebuilt after damage caused by Hurricane Matthew, so all of the park is accessible presently. Sunny skies and a low tide meant that it was a great time to stop at the Hunting Island Lighthouse and then meander down to the beach. New sand fencing along the dunes and lots of freshly planted sea oats stand out, plus the old metal jetty running towards the rock jetty has been paved over in concrete. Bald eagles could be seen flying overhead, and loads of shorebirds were seen loafing on a nearby sandbar.

Tri-Color Heron with a fresh catch

Switching over to a nature trail through the dunes is when the wildlife really became prevalent. Locating a fresh shed from a diamondback rattlesnake meant that staying on the trail would be prudent. Crossing over an inlet to Little Hunting Island revealed wading birds chasing batifish while a large redfish prowled nearby. Just before the boneyard beach a patch or two of native prickly pear cactus was spotted in the sandy soil. By the shoreline, a flock of sanderlings was busy probing along the boneyard beach, before the tide comes back in to cover it in water. Just below the beach down in a hole are ghost shrimp, and we looked at one close up before returning it.

Ghost Shrimp at shoreline

To view past blog entries about recent field trips click on 2021 Coastal Exploration / Bennett's Point - 2021 Edisto Canoe and Kayak Commission - 2021 Congaree / Swamp Plants - 2021 Congaree - Swamp Critters - 2021 Furman University - 2021 Givhans Ferry State Park - 2021 Spring Island - Reptiles and Amphibians - 2021 Spring Island / Plants and Insects - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Wildlife - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Vistas - 2021 Beidler Forest / Flora and Fauna - 2021 Beidler Forest - Name That Snake - 2021 Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - 2021 Nemours Plantation Birding

Diamondback Rattlesnake Shed
found on maritime forest trail

To view past blog entries about S.C. State Parks click 2017 Hunting Island - Barnwell - Hickory Knob - Huntington Beach - Hampton Plantation - Edisto Beach 

2021 Lowcountry Land Trust - Sporting Clays at White House Plantation

Josh Bell, Demi Howard and Ashley Demosthenes 

After a hiatus in 2020 due to Covid-19, the annul Sporting Clays Shoot in support of Lowcountry Land Trust resumed with two days of sporting competition. Protected property White House Plantation hosted the event that saw shooting teams complete a round of clays in the morning, before enjoying a catered lunch by Jimmy Fitts. An afternoon round of clays welcomed a different set of shooters, and they began their visit by sharing lunch and fellowship with the morning wave. Conservation of the Lowcountry is the name of the game at this event, the Lowcountry Land Trust is celebrating 35-years of leadership.

Typical Sporting Clays Station

Proper Plantation Lunch of Shrimp and Sausage

The weather on both Saturday and Sunday was picture perfect, with the Lowcountry already experiencing the drier and warmer weather that is forecast for this winter. A safety briefing preceded each round of shooting, and the custom course was set up by long-time Land Trust supporter Demi Howard. It takes 100-shots to complete a sporting clays course that consists of multiple stations that are set up to resemble game such as teal, snipe or rabbits. Some stations release two targets at once, and anyone lucky enough to break both targets with one shell jokes they are practicing conservation of ammunition. Of course, good clean fun is the point for most of the shooting teams that consist of families and old friends that were grateful to be gathering again in the outdoors.

Sporting Clays Hosts Linda and Bill Demmer

To view past blog entries from the Lowcountry Land Trust click on 2011 Picnic at Lavington Plantation - 2011 Annual Meeting - 2010 Picnic at Center for Birds of Prey - 2009 Annual Meeting - 2009 Picnic at Brosnan Forest / More Brosnan Pics - 2009 Colleton Soil and Water Awards 

Landowners, Founders and Board Members of LLT

2021 Lowcountry Hunt - Opening Meet at Airy Hall Plantation

Hunt Masters in Pink Coats lead the way!

Despite above average temperatures continuing into the Fall season, the fixture calendar of The Lowcountry Hunt began with the Opening Meet at Airy Hall in the ACE Basin. The sunny and clear conditions were welcome with a busy schedule including the blessing of the hounds, and a special music performance on the steps of the Big House. Airy Hall owner Buck Limehouse greeted the crowd of fox hunting enthusiasts, and they were appreciative of the hospitality. The hounds were led away towards the woods, the horses soon followed, and the tractor carrying the Tally Ho wagon fired up and the hunt got underway.

The Lowcountry Hunt Hounds!

The staff for Lowcountry Hunt carry radios so that they can be in communication with others about the section of woods that is currently being hunted, and the Whippers In patrol property lines to make sure the hounds don't leave. Don't Forget, no foxes are hurt during the hunt, this is simply a traditional exercise about the chase, and does not involve a kill. Hunt Masters in their Pink Coats lead the riders down oak lines trails, and past stations for jumping for those who ride with a high level of training. Sometimes the hounds will pick up the scent of a coyote, and that can also induce hunt conditions, but on this warm day their was little chasing and more of a show of determination to enjoy the day. A hunt breakfast at noon allowed everyone to relax and share their stories from the field along the banks of the Ashepoo River, in the heart of the ACE Basin. 

Horses Leaving the Barn at Airy Hall

To view past blog entries from Lowcountry Hunt click on 2013 Hunt Weekend - 2013 Hunt Weekend / Photos - 2012 Airy Hall - 2011 Closing Meet / Airy Hall - 2010 Closing Meet / Airy Hall 

Rider John Sanford gets separated from his
horse. Riders jump at their own peril.

Mother and daughter Riders on draft horses

2021 South Carolina Saltwater Series by HUK - Team All In Wins

A unique system for fishing saltwater tournaments has ben implemented in South Carolina, and 2021 was the Inaugural Year for the HUK S.C. Saltwater Series. The Salt Series consists of three different fishing disciplines, fished at different times of the calendar year. Fishing for Wahoo in Winter, Mahi in Spring and King Mackerel in Fall, where teams can pick the dates they would like to go fishing within the designated menu of tourney dates. Some of these tournaments existed independently before 2021, but this year marks the engagement of all three together, plus the title sponsorship of outdoor apparel maker HUK.

Teams needed to register for the S.C. Salt Series in time to fish the first tourney for wahoo, and thus are able to participate in all three legs. About 25 teams registered for the season-long series, and now that the format has been proven in 2021, expect a lot more teams competing for this S.C. Salt title in the future. In the end it was Team All In that won the S.C. Saltwater Series Top Spot for 2021 using a points system for their best wahoo, dolphin and kingfish. They were recognized at an awards dinner in Hilton Head on November 7 that also celebrated the winners for the just concluded SC Fall Classic.

To view past blog entries from the SC Mahi Series click on 2021.

Team All In with their 70.6-pound Wahoo,
fishing on a Freeman

2021 Coastal Exploration aboard Discovery Vessel - Bennett's Point

Blackcheek Tonguefish

Driving to the end of Bennett's Point Road leads to the heart of the ACE Basin, and the southernmost part of Colleton County. A rainy weekend gave way to a sunny but blustery Monday, and yet another astronomical high tide. Our group boarded the 45-foot educational vessel named Discovery, from the SCDNR McKenzie Field Station, and rode down the Ashepoo River. 

The purpose of the trip was to drag a small trawl net in oder to capture a biological sample for the saltwater, and to measure the salinity of the water. Along the way, a variety of birds could be spotted including white pelicans, wood storks and bald eagles. The ultra high tide had completely covered the spartina grass and we saw several rails that no longer had any place to hide, and the boat hosted a visiting marsh wren that no longer had anywhere left to perch in the marsh. 

SCDNR 45-foot pontoon boat 

To view past blog entries from the Discovery Vessel click on 2016 Edisto Island.

Marsh Wren on a boat ride, notice longer beak

To view past blog entries about recent field trips click on 2021 Edisto Canoe and Kayak Commission - 2021 Congaree / Swamp Plants - 2021 Congaree - Swamp Critters - 2021 Furman University - 2021 Givhans Ferry State Park - 2021 Spring Island - Reptiles and Amphibians - 2021 Spring Island / Plants and Insects - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Wildlife - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Vistas - 2021 Beidler Forest / Flora and Fauna - 2021 Beidler Forest - Name That Snake - 2021 Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - 2021 Nemours Plantation Birding 

Mummichogs - or Mud Minnows