2021 Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - Future Plans

 

Damage from a fallen tree is now repaired

In the early 2000’s the City of Walterboro began consolidation of tracts of land that became known first as the Great Swamp, totaling 600-acres. Providing paved and boardwalk access to the public came to fruition, but maintaining these facilities provides a challenge. Now renamed the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary, the swamp also includes the Walterboro Wildlife Center educational facility right downtown. Recreational use is bound to increase as the Lowcountry continues to see population growth, and the City of Walterboro is planning now for upgrading access. 

Low water levels on July 7

Jeff Molinari is the Walterboro City Manager, and he shares that as of May 2021 a plan of action for the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary is in place. “At our annual City Council Retreat in May, I asked our staff to develop a funding plan to replace all the boardwalks in the Sanctuary,” said Molinari. “Now that we have completed the Walterboro Wildlife Center project, we can turn our attention back to access issues. The lifespan of the wood on our boardwalks is limited given the wet environment, and this likely won’t be the last time that we have to replace the wood. We do have paved pathways, and earthen trails, but the boardwalk access through wet areas is essential to connect them.”

“The City, Parks and Recreation Department is authorized for continuous repair to the boardwalk as is necessary,” said Molinari. “However, a string of extreme weather events including Hurricane Matthew, a tornado and flooding have left a swath of damage that is too big for a quick fix. We have had an engineer inspect all of the boardwalks and they have endorsed both a short-term repair plan and a long-term repair plan for us to consider. In parts of the Sanctuary, the boardwalk was uprooted from the ground and will require re-engineering. Our work crew can deal with a fallen tree issue readily, but larger issues take more time and resources to work around.”

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Press and Standard.

To view past articles about the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary click on Beech Hill Boardwalk - Wet Winter Weather - Heritage Corridor Boardwalk

To view past blog entries about hardwood bottomlands click on Congaree National Park - Hunting Wood Ducks - Hunting Wild Turkey 

To view past blog entries about trees click on Laurel Oak Disease - Dendrochronology   

2021 Edisto Billfish - Home Run Scores Win; Inappropriate Takes Series

 

Matthew Summers, Matthew Avinger,
Angler Tommy Murray, Matt Araneo,
and Keelie Summers with winning 17.3 Tuna

The only question heading into the 2021 Edisto Billfish Invitational was how good the offshore fishing would be. But after an epic midnight weigh-in on Day One of a blue marlin that weighed 505-pounds, everyone found out that the billfish bite was on. After three days of fishing, each with an afternoon weigh-in for a dock full of fishing fans, the meatfish winners were decided. In the billfish division, Home Run wins the Edisto Governor’s Cup Tournament by releasing two blue marlin and two sailfish.

Fortunate Son with winning 35.9-pound Mahi

Home Run also won the Outstanding Billfish Conservationist Award for releasing the most billfish during the Edisto tournament. Owner Steve Mungo and Captain Grant Bentley and their crew are veterans of the Governor’s Cup Series. Second place for Outstanding Billfish Boat is Sportin’ Life out of Charleston, owned by Graham Eubank. Captain Mike Glaesner and crew released five sailfish to take second place. Third place boat Inappropriate also released five sailfish at Edisto, but due to time of release they finished third. However, Inappropriate did enough to lock up Outstanding Billfish Boat for the entire 2021 S.C. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series.

505-pound Blue Marlin for Glazed

Though the Governor’s Cup Series stresses the release of billfish, it is OK to bring a blue marlin to the docks if it of legal size. The sportfisher named Glazed got hooked up with a blue marlin on Thursday afternoon during Day One of fishing. The daily weigh-in is scheduled from 5 – 7 and Glazed messaged the Marina at Edisto Beach that they were still fighting the fish, and thus they were granted permission to weigh the fish in later. Glazed ended up fighting that marlin for several hours and did not bring it into their boat until 9 p.m., setting up the drama for a weigh-in about three hours later, which is the typical time for a trip back from offshore.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Press and Standard. 

To view the Preview Article for the 2021 Edisto Gov Cup click on Press and Standard.

Winning 56.1-pound Wahoo for
Team Hay Fever

To view past blog entries from the Edisto Billfish Tourney click 2019- 2018- 2017- 2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009

To view past blog entries from Edisto in 2019 click on ACE Basin Appreciation - Dolphin Slam - Jim Bost Memorial - Sea Turtle Nesting

 To view past blog entries from 2018 at Edisto click on Thirsty Whale Tours - I Love Edisto Auction - Jim Bost Memorial - Dolphin Slam - Coastal Geology - Grits Cook Off

To view past blog entries from 2017 at Edisto click on Holiday Business After Hours - EIOLT Oyster Roast - Billfish Tourney - Bingo - Tomato Open- I Love Edisto Auction - Jim Bost Memorial - Shark Tourney

To view past blog entries from 2016 at Edisto click on Serpentarium - Jim Bost Memorial - Dolphin Slam - Cobia Tourney - Spring Shorebird Synergy - Bovine Bones on Beach - Edisto River book 

2021 PGA Championship - Phil Mickelson Wins at Kiawah

Phil Mickelson wins his second PGA Championship at age 50, at the 2021 PGA Championship at the Ocean Course on Kiawah Island. The PGA Championship switches from Fall dates to Spring dates for the first time, which allowed for the Ocean Course to be in optimum shape before long hot summer days take their toll. Likely no one had Mickelson as the favorite to win, but his veteran savvy and his execution of the tee box allowed him to hoist the Wannamaker trophy once again. 

Phil Mickelson wins 2021 PGA Championship

To view past blog entries from the PGA Championship click on 100th PGA Champioship - Quail Hollow at Charlotte 2017 - Ocean Course at Kiawah 2012 

To view past blog entries about the RBC Heritage click 2018- 2017 - 2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013

To view past blog entries from the BMW Charity Web.com click on 2018- 2016 - 2015 - 2014

2021 Birding Journal Observations - May / June

Carolina Wren Family on Back Porch on June 6

 May and June brought below normal precipitation and below normal temps across the Lowcountry. Of course with variable weather patterns, some areas experienced wet spells, but that was hit or miss. For example, Tropical storm Danny came ashore on June 29, but only one area received drenching downpours. Backyard birding conditions have been very good for the most part. 

Baby birds are always part of the Spring equation, and I can usually count on bluebirds raising young in nest boxes and Carolina wrens nesting in hanging baskets. This year the wrens found their way into the back porch when the door was slightly open, and then they became a little frantic about finding their way out again. I observed four Carolina wrens inside the back porch, and could not go out the back door and allow them to enter the house, and compound the problem. Going out another door and walking around to open the back porch screen door was the winning solution to this first ever predicament.

Other observations include painted bunting, summer tanager, blue grosbeak, cardinal, mockingbird, brown thrasher, Carolina chickadee, blue jay, bluebird, red-headed woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, downy woodpecker, brown-headed cowbird, osprey, turkey vulture, swallow-tailed kite, bald eagle, blue gray gnatcatcher, and cardinal.

To view past Birding Journal Observations for May / June click on 2018 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009

To view past Field Noted 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  

Tropical Storm Danny with a bullseye on Hardeeville, but not much for anywhere else

2021 S.C. Mahi Series - She Agreed Wins

Bill O'Donnell, Capt. Mike Szucs, and Jim Roberts

 The 2021 S.C. Mahi Series was fished from May 10 through June 5. Over 100 fishing teams competed from three S.C. ports including Georgetown, Charleston and Hilton Head. The format allows each fishing team to weigh-in two mahi and the tournament winner is determined by the heaviest two-fish aggregate weight. Teams choose any two days they would like to fish, and they can upgrade to heavier mahi if they are able to on the second fishing day.

First Place Youth Angler Award

The winner of the 2021 S.C. Mahi Series is She Agreed with a two-fish aggregate weight of 84.1-pounds, good for an $18 grand payday. Captain Mike Szucs and crew Jim Roberts and Bill O'Donnell went fishing on May 17 on the 26-foot Sailfish boat powered by twin Yamaha 250's. Szucs was the angler on the big mahi for the day when a 61.7-pound dolphin crushed a lure being fished in a weed line at a temperature break in 140-feet of water at about 9:20 in the morning. The second mahi they weighed in that day was 22.4-pounds, while their bull was the heaviest fish and new record holder for the S.C. Mahi Series that was NEW in 2020. Team She Agreed fished a second day, but were unable to upgrade on weight. By The Way, She Agreed refers to Mike's wife giving the go ahead to buy a bigger boat, the 26-foot Sailfish, and it paid off big time!

Team Sandman Digs their Heavy Pay Day

An Awards Supper was held at Pioneer Boats in Walterboro, the title sponsor for the S.C. Mahi Series. Tourney Coordinator Marc Pincus gave out door prizes, while everyone dined on brisket cooked by Henry Sikes. The Top Eight boats in S.C. Mahi Series received a cash prize, and the top five youth anglers were also recognized, plus Lauren Sawyer won the Lady Angler honors. Team Sandman took him the most cash since they won the Tourney Within Tourney honors, with J.J. Lamb and Mike Holmes leading the celebration. Special shout out the the saltwater anglers from Travelers Rest in the Upstate, who fished the tourney and then drove to the awards on Sunday June 6 to collect their check and to share in the saltwater fishing festivities.

To view past blog entries from the Edisto Dolphin Slam click 2019 - 2018 - 2016 

To view past blog entries on migratory dolphin off S.C. click 2016 - 2015- 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 - 2007 

Marc Pincus handing a check to the anglers from TR

2021 Nemours Wildlife Foundation - Spring Birding Trip

Prairie Warbler from 5/18/21

 The birding expedition led by biologist Beau Bauer kept a sharp focus on neotropical migratory songbirds and shorebirds. Including incidental sightings the bird list for the day reached 50 species, and mild temps and a light breeze kept the conditions in the field comfortable at Nemours Wildlife Foundation. 

Starting out at 9 a.m. the bird sightings were at first hard to come by, even though some songbirds could be heard be remained unseen. Loading up into two trucks to change positions brought a change of luck though as a male blue grosbeak crossed the road in clear view and stopped in a patch of woods lit by sunlight. Everyone in the group eventually viewed the grosbeak, and we picked up a pine warbler on the forest floor and a wood stork soaring overhead.

Least Bittern, not normally in the wide open

Setting up on an impoundment to look for a specific shorebird, we were treated to a few wading birds and a couple of anhingas posing on posts, but not enough to stay for long. Loading into the trucks again, we went about 15-yards and then had to stop because a pair of painted buntings came into the clear for viewing. While stopped, a hummingbird buzzed by some members of the groups and an Orchard Oriole was identified. Movement seemed to be the key to our day.

Yellow Warbler near forest floor

It was nearly noon when we made our final move of the day, and we stopped at an area with edge habitat management underway wherelongleaf pines in the grass stage changes into bushes. Just then a bright yellow warbler came into view, and was flitting up and down the edge where our group was spread out, giving everyone a look. Once identified as a Prairie Warbler, most members of the group (including your humble blogger) were able to claim a new Life Bird, meaning the first time they had seen one. The warbler even stopped long enough to make a photo. The ride back to our vehicles for departure was filled with a sense of accomplishment for time well spent in the outdoors.

To view my Birding Journal Observations for March / April 2021 click here.

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 

Beau Bauer, front, led our birding group

2021 Birding Journal Observations - March / April

Juvenile male summer tanager

 A wet winter continued through all of March, the then just like that things began to dry out in April. In fact, From April 1 until April 23 was the 16th longest stretch on record without any rainfall. The Lowcountry received around two-inches of rain on April 24 to restore a glow of green to the landscape, and was welcomed by our famers. The annual spring migration of neotropical songbirds started slowly in April with a few ruby-throated hummingbirds showing up at long-established birding outposts, and by the last week of April a big push of bird life brought in all the rest of this colorful flock.

The migration is not over, and May 1 (today) I glimpsed the male black-throated blue warbler for the first time! Now is a great time to keep the bird feeder filled and to provide fresh water at birdbaths too!!

April sightings include painted bunting, Indigo bunting, blue grosbeak, rose-breasted grosbeak, summer tanager, brown-heads cowbird, grey catbird, wood stork, swallow-tailed kite, Canada goose, cardinal, bluebird, blue jay, mockingbird, brown thrasher, osprey, bald eagle and wild turkey.

To view past Birding Journal Observations from March April click 2018 -  2017 - 2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 

To view past Field Notes and Photos click on 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 

Indigo Bunting