New Year's Eve Toast to 2021

In the Duck Blind on 12/28/21

This post concludes the 13th year in my campaign of reporting via my Lowcountry Outdoors blog. A very limited calendar in 2020 due to Covid, began to build back in 2021 and everyone felt the same relief to have outdoor events to safely attend again. Joining together with like-minded friends and outdoor enthusiasts is the best part of each event, and I look forward to seeing if the outdoor pathway in 2022 leads to the same ole same ole, but with a splash of panache!

Hunting, Fishing, and Birdwatching are but a few of my lifetime devotions and as a result of these pursuits one becomes seasoned in matters of woodsmanship and observation. Another way to advance that same state of mind is to study nature in depth, and so in Fall of 2021 I completed the Master Naturalist Class at Spring Island, and can now speak with even more accuracy about the special sights and sounds I record in my Field Notes.

Sporting Clays Shoot on 11/14/21 w/Josh Bell

Challenges to the newspaper industry continue to affect my ability to publish newsprint stories. It has ben a very humbling two years in that department, but learning to maximize social media and maintaining this blog offer some relief. I remain thankful for magazines that carried my byline in 2021 such as Mossy Oak Gamekeepers, and will pursue additional publications in the future. 

To view past blog entries from my New Year's Eve Toast click on 2020 - 2019- 2018- 2017- 2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009

 To view Top Stories from 2021 click on Palmetto Bluff Birding - Lowcountry Land Trust - Lowcountry Hunt at Airy Hall - Nemours 25th Anniversary - CCA sinks Edisto Barge -Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - Governor's Cup Finale 

2021 Gamekeepers / Fall - Cutting Timber

Cutting in 2021, and replanting is in 2022

A long-term management plan is the best way to outline what the goals are for future timber harvest on recreational tracts of land. For Gamekeepers that have held land over generations, cutting timber to pay the land tax has always been a part of the ownership equation. Despite a run up of prices on treated lumber products, the prices landowners are receiving remain flat due to changing forestry markets. Assuming that wildlife remains a top priority after cutting timber, one can game plan for strategies that strike a balance between income and habitat.

My photos and byline in GameKeepers

The practice of thinning a pine timber stand multiple times over a duration of 30 or more years still exists for some, but current logging practices seem to favor clear cuts. Timber rotations are quicker now due to enhanced pine tree seedlings, and there is decreased demand for older sawtimber products. Even if you favor the practice of thinning, eventually those pine trees reach an age where they will not increase in value, and a clear cut before replanting makes sense to all. 

R and D Logging of Walterboro

For more Info click on Mossy Oak Gamekeepers Magazine.

To view past blog entries from Mossy Oak Gamekeepers Magazine click Summer 2021 - Winter 2020- Spring 2020 - Fall 2017- Spring 2016 - Winter 2016 - Fall 2015 - Summer 2015 - Spring 2015 - Winter 2015 - Fall 2014 - Summer 2014 - Spring 2014 - Winter 2013 

2021 Palmetto Bluff Birding Trip - Audubon Christmas Bird Count

Sora showing tell-tale tail before slipping out of view

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count has been held for more than 100 years, and December 15 is the date assigned to the Hilton Head Audubon Circle. I joined birders at Palmetto Bluff, a part of the HHI count. Palmetto Bluff Conservancy staff met the birders at 6:30 a.m. and set the birding agenda for the next eight hours, and the first stop was the most dramatic. Arriving at managed wetlands at dawn, we set up on the dike in time to watch at least 150 wood ducks rise up and fly out to their feeding grounds. Around 20 great white egrets stayed on the roost another ten minutes, allowing us to count other birds that were waking up and taking off. 

Palmetto Bluff Conservancy staff and birding volunteers

The sound of red-winged blackbirds in the distance gave us great anticipation, and after a short stroll down the dike, we witnessed something magical. Roughly 2300 blackbirds lifting off in successive waves of 100 birds strong, making their song and heading across the tree line. The next species of waterfowl encountered was blue-winged teal, and then a few hooded mergansers flew off. A mature bald eagle made an appearance, and eagles were a common them on this day, everywhere we went on Palmetto Bluff. For the entire story from our day of birding click Palmetto Bluff report. The final results will be recorded officially in the 2021 HHI Christmas Bird Count. To view my latest Birding Journal Observations click on September / October.

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet expressing emotion

Loon on Cauley's Creek by Moreland Dock

To view past blog entries about recent field trips click on 2021 Botany Bay WMA Birding - 2021 Tillman Sand Ridge- 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 

2021 Edisto Island Open Land Trust - Hutchinson House Holidays

Santa Claus and his Helpers

The Edisto Island Open Land Trust continues to rally conservation advocates by highlighting the history of this sea island. The Holiday at the Hutchinson House gathering on Saturday, December 11 was scheduled to be held after the conclusion of the Edisto Beach Christmas Parade. Santa Claus was on hand for the kids, and a Food Truck provided nourishment for adults. Arts and crafts were on sale, and everyone was invited to go inside the Hutchinson House (in small groups) to view where inside renovations are still yet to be completed. A two-story house with four rooms (two upstairs) and two chimneys looks very functional today. Of course, the grounds here are also being kept up including a pollinator garden and walking trail. Earlier in 2021 Queen Quet came to issue a Gullah Blessing. 

The House looks like One Big Christmas Present!

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2021 click on Christmas Parade -  Inaugural Triathlon - #WhoYouWhit Benefit - Edisto Water Sports Redfish Tourney - Edisto Beach Sweep - Manatee Sightings- Edisto River Sweep - CCA Barge Sunk off Edisto - Belles Beach Walk - Vacasa Purchases Atwood - Town Budget - Town Turtle Patrol - Edisto Billfish Tourney 

Fatima brought her Food Truck and her Elves

EIOLT Board Members and Friends 

2021 Edisto Beach - Christmas Parade

Chas. Co. Sheriff Kristin Graziano being festive

The 2021 Christmas Parade at Edisto Beach consisted of golf carts, classic cars, boats and even a little red wagon. The Grinch, Santa Claus, and a host of holiday characters walked down Palmetto Blvd. spreading cheer to those lining the street. Warm weather had it feeling a little more like a 4th of July parade, and one float was even giving out popsicles to keep folks cool. There is a small competition for judging, but the real purpose of the Edisto Beach Christmas Parade is to keep up this small town tradition for those who would most certainly prefer to be on island time - even for Christmas!

Caretta Caretta represent Edisto Turtle Patrol

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2021 click on Inaugural Edisto Triathlon- #WhoYouWhit Benefit

The Grinch must not be Brian Bell ?!

 - Edisto Water Sports Redfish Tourney - Edisto Beach Sweep - Manatee Sightings- Edisto River Sweep - CCA Barge Sunk off Edisto - Belles Beach Walk - Vacasa Purchases Atwood-  Gullah Blessing for Hutchinson House - Town Budget - Town Turtle Patrol - Edisto Billfish Tourney 

Jay Watts is running for Edisto Beach Town Council

2021 Botany Bay WMA - Winter Birding Trip

Great Blue Heron coming in for a landing

The SCDNR Birding by Trailer Series continues to roll onward, and the Saturday December 11outing featured another trailer load of birders. Ornithologist Craig Watson, SCDNR guide Bess Kellett and birder Pam Ford served to set the agenda for the three-hour tour to visit birding hotspots and share info about what birds are encountered. The bird of the day was only briefly seen overhead, but Watson was quick to declare this was a Merlin and a member of the Falcon family. He went on to discuss how the Kestrel is smaller, and the Peregrine is much larger, and that all three are falcons. Birding tips teach others to better decide identification when they are on their own in the future.

Trailer Load of Birders

With a familiar Indian summer weather pattern in place, the day started out with dense fog, but then gave way to sunny and mild conditions. Much of Fall migration is complete, and the birding this day was not spectacular, except for the lovely flocks of resident bluebirds and such. But my oh my the Botany Bay WMA property showcased a variety of wildlife from saltwater fish to upland game, all without the hustle and bustle of the summertime traffic pattern. Our stop at Mrs. Pepper's Oak and pond revealed waterfowl, wading birds, turtles and alligators. An immature Little Blue Heron reminded me that they are white in coloration, until they turn blue when mature, and are easily confused size-wise with the Snowy egret. The Snowy egret has the 'Golden Slippers' or yellow feet, and that is a good way to determine their ID. To view my most recent Birding Journal Observations click on September / October.

Little Blue Heron in flight

Craig Watson, Pam Ford, and Jeff Dennis

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2021 click on Inaugural Edisto Triathlon - #WhoYouWhit Benefit - Edisto Water Sports Redfish Tourney - Edisto Beach Sweep - Manatee Sightings- Edisto River Sweep - CCA Barge Sunk off Edisto - Belles Beach Walk - Vacasa Purchases Atwood-  Gullah Blessing for Hutchinson House - Town Budget - Town Turtle Patrol - Edisto Billfish Tourney 

To view past blog entries about recent field trips click on 2021 Tillman Sand Ridge - 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 

2021 Lowcountry Hunt - Rose Hill Plantation

Hounds To The Hunt!

The Lowcountry Hunt returned to Rose Hill Plantation in Yemassee again in 2021, and hopes were high with new ground to hunt as well.  But the dry and balmy conditions are affecting the fox hunting hounds in such a way that they are having difficulty scenting any game. The prominent leaf colors of Fall in the Lowcountry are giving way to a rust hue now, and though only a slight breeze was blowing, leaves were raining down out of the trees all day. By the way, if a dog can't scent game on the dry ground, having a layer of dry leaves covering up the ground compounds the problem. But that's hunting....

First flight riders test the NEW jumps

The hounds were put through their paces, and three flights of riders followed them into the pine woods, around the duck ponds, through the bottomlands and then back down the dirt roads that lead to a series of brand new jumps. The Lowcountry Hunt installed the new jumps last week, essentially logs properly spaced in jumps of two and three, in a succession of three jump stations in a row. The Whippers In were the last to cross the jumps, and then joined everyone at the barn for a meal of fresh-fried chicken with all the fixin's and some holiday sweets too. Yemassee is a crossroads in the Lowcountry, whether you travel by Amtrak or by Horseback, allowing everyone a quick trip home to enjoy their Saturday Afa'noon.

Circling the woodlands, while the hounds work

To view past blog entries from Lowcountry Hunt: 2021 Coosaw Plantation - 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 

Form and Style are on display

To view past blog entries about recent field trips click on 2021 Tillman Sand Ridge - 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

2021 Tillman Sand Ridge - Gopher Tortoise Habitat

Gopher Tortoise in educational classroom 

In the southernmost potion of the S.C. Lowcountry, lies a sandy pocket of land in Jasper County that is adjacent to the Savannah River. The roughly 3000-acre tract of land is under conservation easement and run by the SCDNR as both a Heritage Preserve and a Wildlife Management Area. There is no sign posted regarding the formation of the Tillman Sand Ridge, but soil scientist Randy James explains that it certainly could have been the result of an eddy current several thousands years ago when the Atlantic Ocean was covering the coastal plain, and rubbed up against the current form the Savannah River, causing sand granules to drop down in the lax current of the eddy system. 

Gopher Tortoise Hole at Tillman

Many features make Tillman Sand Ridge unique, but one stands out. This is the northernmost range for the Gopher Tortoise, which is called a keystone species in nature because the burrows they dig benefit 300+ other species. A Gopher Tortoise will dig and complete several burrows, and regularly moves around and changes locations, which causes the surplus of burrows. The sandy soil is also home to an impressive landscape of wire grass, longleaf pines, turkey oak and birding habitat. The property does include bottomland closer to the river and a boat landing on B & C road for a canal that leads to the Savannah River. 

Soil scientist Randy James on Ridge

Boat Ramp to canal on B & C Road in dry weather

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