This Archive section stores past Welcome to Kiawah Island messages from April 2003, in order by date, with the most recent date at the top.
April 30, 2003
REMINDER: The work on Johns' Island water lines is complete. Don't forget to turn your sprinkler system back on!
It is official! The 2003 Kiawah Turtle Season has begun! Last night more than 60 volunteers attended a kick-off meeting at the Sandcastle. (Click the link at the right for photos.) Jack Hamilton, the head of the Turtle Patrol Committee, explained procedures, volunteers watched the SC DNR training video, and received their t-shirts. Just so that you know, this year's shirts are red. So when you see a red turtle shirt on the beach this summer, be sure to stop and say hello!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three snowy egrets, one alligator (in The Preserve), five pelicans, a brilliant scarlet cardinal, and one raccoon.
It is 64 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should reach the low eighties again today.
April 29, 2003
REMINDER: Work is being done on Johns' Island water lines today. Residents have been asked NOT to use any water for irrigation or other such uses these two days.
The next "blooming season" appears to be upon us here on Kiawah. The magnolias are starting to propel their blooms towards the sky. Soon there will be hundreds of delightful magnolia blossoms everywhere, their delicate scent wafting in the breeze.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Six cormorants, three alligators, three pelicans, two Carolina wrens, two foxes, and one raccoon.
It is 62 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should reach the low eighties today.
April 28, 2003
REMINDER: Work is being done on Johns' Island water lines today and tomorrow. Residents have been asked NOT to use any water for irrigation or other such uses these two days.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: two egrets, forty-one (yes, 41!) pelicans, two bluebirds, two alligators, and one raccoon.
It is 61 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to be eighty again today.
April 27, 2003
The sun is back! After a thorough drenching Saturday, Kiawah is once again bathed in wonderful sunlight this morning. The birds are singing like mad - guess they are excited about the sunshine too!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three egrets, two great blue herons, six cormorants, three giant swallowtail butterflies, four alligators, and one raccoon.
It is 62 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should reach eighty again today.
April 26, 2003
Today is the beginning of a new feature of this web site! <drum roll please> ... the Kiawah Critter Count! Each day there will be a Kiawah Critter Count that identifies the critters spotted during the previous day. Just a little "window on Kiawah" for those folks who are not here. So, without further ado, here we go.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One Pilated Woodpecker, four egrets, one Great Blue Heron, two osprey, one deer, and one raccoon.
If you enjoy this feature, please say so! If there is enough interest, we could engage the entire island in the Critter Count!
It is 65 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should be near eighty today, with ANOTHER chance of thunderstorms.
April 25, 2003
Today's photo was provided by Bill Blizard - Bill is having a wonderful time with his new digital camera! This owl has taken up residence on Doral Open, in a screech owl box built by Kiawahian (is that a word?) Jack Sexton. Last week we "talked" about the owls who reside on Kiawah - have you heard any lately?
It is 65 degrees at 7:30 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to reach the mid-seventies again today, with a chance of thunderstorms.
April 24, 2003
One of Kiawah's residents, Stewart Birbrower, was honored yesterday by the Washington, D.C. based Points of Light Foundation. He volunteered his time to help create a marketing campaign for From Darkness to Light. For more on this story, click here. Isn't it nice to know that folks like this live on Kiawah?
It is 56 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should reach the mid-seventies today.
April 23, 2003
Great Blue Herons are all over the island this week. These birds are generally rather shy, but several have been out and about this past week, despite the spring break visitors. For a particularly good picture of a great blue heron, click here. Do you think it is "Positively Regal"?
It is 55 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to be in the mid-seventies today.
April 22, 2003
Today's photo was taken by John Wilson while piloting his plane one day last week. Looks like the new hotel is coming right along. Most of us can only see progress from the ground, so seeing it from above is a treat. Thanks John, for sharing this photo!
It is 66 degrees at 7:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should be near eighty today.
The web site that furnishes our weather is still experiencing difficulties, so it has been replaced by the new vendor above (temporarily I hope!).
April 21, 2003
The little raccoon living in the live oak on Marsh Island Drive is awake this morning. She (?) is peering out the "front door" of her chosen home - it is a small hole that she can use as both a window and a door. Last year she had two babies there - will she have some this year as well?
The web site that furnishes our weather is having some trouble this morning, so it has been replaced by the new vendor above (temporarily. I hope!)
It is 63 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to reach the mid-seventies today.
April 20, 2003
It is a bit cloudy again this morning. Would that be part of the old "April showers bring May flowers" saying? Still, it is nice and warm, and Kiawah awaits the intrepid explorer! Here is a little known suggestion for the budding Columbus' out there: why not investigate the Kiawah Swamp Garden?
The Kiawah Swamp Garden is located on Turtle Beach Lane (accessible by bicycle). It is a secluded wetland garden, where you can usually see many alligators and turtles, as well as several varieties of Kiawah's native plants. Can you locate it?
It is 59 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should reach seventy again today.
April 19, 2003
It is overcast this morning, with a hint of rain in the air. It does not appear that today will be the best of days to be a beach-goer!
The azaleas are beginning to lose their blossoms. All over the island you can see the spent blooms scattered on the ground, drifting slowly in the breeze.
It is 63 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should near seventy today.
The owl population on the island is certainly talkative these days! If you listen in the evenings, (and you do not have to listen very closely!) you can hear them as they call to one another. "Whooooooo!" A Great Horned Owl will exclaim to its pals across the marsh. Our other common owl, the Eastern Screech owl, has more of a wail when it "speaks". Kiawah is also home to the Barred Owl. This owl is easily heard as well, with its "Whoo, hoo, hoo-hoo" calls. Have you heard any owls on Kiawah lately? Click on the links above if you would like to hear the calls to identify the owls YOU have heard!
It is Good Friday today, and the Town Hall is closed. Commercial work is permitted on the island today.
It is 68 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should reach the mid-seventies today, with a 40% chance of rain.
April 17, 2003
It is another gorgeous day in paradise! Kiawah is bathed in sunshine this morning, and it is already somewhat warm. Looks like a day to be outside soaking up the sun!
Did you know? If you click the weather icon on the home page, you will see a new web site that shows the detailed forecast for Johns Island.
It is 61 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to reach the low seventies again today.
April 16, 2003
More fog this morning... it covers everything with a dense cloak. The birds do not seem to mind though, they are singing their little hearts out!
If you listen in the evenings now, you can hear the Chuck Will's Widow calling to you. Have you ever seen one of these birds?
It is 54 degrees at 7:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should reach the low seventies today.
April 15, 2003
It is that time again! April 15th is Tax Day. Hopefully everyone out there has already completed and mailed their taxes to Uncle Sam. If not, midnight is fast approaching!
Still no e-mails about the folks in the Earth Day pictures - don't they want to be "famous"? If you see yourself (or even someone you know) in our Earth Day photos, please e-mail the webmaster with the picture and the person's name and the information will be posted on the site!
It is 63 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to reach the low eighties today. It will be another beautiful sunny day on Kiawah!
April 14, 2003
The entire island is blanketed by a thick layer of fog this morning. Birds flit in and out of the fog shroud, dancing in and out of the edges. The marsh looks mysterious covered in the mist - it looks like a veil that lifts now and then to reveal the swirling waters below.
It is 57 degrees at 7:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should reach the low seventies again today.
April 13, 2003
The Earth Day festival yesterday was terrific. The crowd at Night Heron Park enjoyed the vendor booths and the yummy lunch. The South Carolina Raptor Center brought a few native Kiawah raptors, such as the red-tailed hawk, and gave a wonderful presentation. There was even a flying demonstration! Hopefully you were able to participate - if not, mark your calendars for next year, and promise yourself that you will attend. Click here to see photos. If you recognize yourself, PLEASE click the link below and contact the webmaster to identify the photo and your name. The page will be updated so that the world will see you!
It is 56 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to reach the mid-seventies again today.
April 12, 2003
Don't forget the Earth Day festival today! Click here to see the schedule of events. So head on down to Night Heron Park and enjoy this beautiful morning! You might even meet some of new folks. The 5K Run/Walk begins at 8:15, so there is still time to sign up. The course is terrific - down Sea Forest Drive and onto the beach for about a mile, then back to the park.
It is 48 degrees at 7:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should reach the mid-seventies today.
April 11, 2003
The deer are unusually scarce these days - you can see one every now and again, but not often. Of course with all of the rain we have had, they are probably just trying to stay dry like the rest of us!
Don't forget the Earth Day festival tomorrow! Click either of the links to see the schedule of events. It is a terrific opportunity to spend some time outside and meet some of your neighbors. And who knows? You might just have your picture taken and wind up here on our web site!
It is 45 degrees at 7:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to be near sixty today. The weekend is looking good though, as temperatures are supposed to be in the low to mid seventies.
April 10, 2003
Kiawah's songbirds are now laying their eggs. Birdhouses like the one above, hand-built by Jim McRae, are ready to be installed in your yard. Contact Bill Blizard to order yours for your home, fully installed on a pole with a predator guard for $20.
Bill also can give you the chance to be a helper for a set of boxes on one of Kiawah's golf courses! You get the opportunity to help count eggs during the next few months if you sign up now. You may contact Bill at 768-3303.
It is 46 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should reach the mid-fifties today. With a 70% chance of rain, it certainly looks like more rain is in store for us.
April 9, 2003
The live oaks are finished dropping their leaves, so now they are sending their small "tags" our way. No more fallen leaves everywhere, now we are dusted with brown oak tags.
The yellow pine pollen has been almost completely washed away by the heavy rains over the past few days, so allergy sufferers are celebrating!
It is 52 degrees at 7:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to be in the low to mid-sixties today. It looks like Mother Nature will be dumping rain on us again. There is a 90% chance of thunderstorms.
April 8, 2003
The azaleas are out in full force now. Everywhere you look it seems that Kiawah is showing off its colors - fuchsia, white, red, and purple azaleas, the delicate pink of a dogwood, pale lavender wisteria hanging from branches, the soft yellow of Carolina Jessamine...flowers are spread far and wide across the landscape. Mother Nature is putting on her best show!
It is 52 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to be in the upper sixties today, with a 70% chance of rain. Let's hope April showers DO bring May flowers!
April 7, 2003
The raccoon that "moved in" to new digs on Marsh Island Drive is out and about this morning. When it (she?) realized that its wanderings were being observed, it scurried back up into the pine tree. Now its head is poking out of the front door of its new abode - perhaps checking out the human occupants of the house next door?
It is 68 degrees at 7:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should be in the upper seventies today, with a 40% chance of rain.
April 6, 2003
There is an osprey nest on top of the tall pole near the Osprey Point golf course. The osprey there is quite vocal these days! Whenever a runner or bicyclist goes by, it cries out to warn them not to come too close to the nest. As if the osprey is afraid that someone will climb up the pole and disturb the eggs! Looks like there will soon be a few more Kiawah residents - of the feathered variety!
Did you remember to change your clocks? Spring forward...
It is 67 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to be in the low seventies today, with a 50% chance of thunderstorms.
April 5, 2003
Well, here it is, time to change the clocks again. Either before we go to bed or first thing tomorrow morning, we all need to go through the ritual of "adjusting time" - each and every clock in the house, the VCR, the microwave, our watches...even the clock in the cars! Are you a "before bed" or "next day" changer? Do you take the organized approach and change your clocks tonight? Or do you save it for tomorrow? Either way, it is time to spring forward!
It is 70 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should be in the mid-seventies again today.
April 4, 2003
Once again, Bob Struble has sent in a wonderful photo to share with you. This stunning photo of Kiawah's beach cloaked in mist was taken during Bob's recent visit to Kiawah. If you look closely, you can see someone walking near the tide line on the far right side of the photo. Can you find the mysterious walker?
Be sure to click the link on the right to see information about next weekend's Earth Day Festival here on Kiawah. What a perfect place to celebrate!
It is 55 degrees at 7:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to reach the mid-seventies today.
April 3, 2003
Once again Mother Nature has graced Kiawah with a fabulously beautiful morning. The sun-dappled trees are draped across the paths, decorated with Spanish moss that seems to be floating in the gentle breeze. Birds dive and loop through the branches, calling to one another as they go about their business.
It is 55 degrees at 7:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to reach the mid-seventies today.
April 2, 2003
Spring has definitely sprung here on the island. The azalea buds are beginning to peep through their foliage and those darn live oaks look nearly finished dropping their leaves - thank goodness! Soon everyone will be raking the last of those leaves, putting down fresh mulch, and flowers will be everywhere. Has spring arrived where you are?
It is 57 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. The high temperature should reach the low seventies today.
April 1, 2003
"Our" eaglet is nearly ready to leave the nest now. Between six and eight weeks after the eaglet fledges, the parents "kick it out" of the nest so it can make it on its own. This is the last test for an eaglet, when it must learn to fend for itself. So be sure to keep a watch for our eaglet as it finds its own way in the world!
It is 45 degrees at 7:15 a.m. this morning. The high temperature is supposed to be near seventy today. We are on our way back to normal temperatures for this time of year. The highs should be in the seventies for the remainder of the week.
