August 31, 2003

Kiawah's weather is a little like a broken record these days... hot and humid, with a slight chance of showers.  Here we are at the end of August, with our visitors leaving. Soon all that will remain is the warm weather and us!  Why is it that visitors are not around in September and October?  It is so beautiful on the island then, and there are not many folks here.  Is it the potential for hurricanes?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One baby loggerhead turtle, a doe and her fawn, and one mama raccoon with two babies.

It is 79 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the high eighties again today with a 20% chance of thunderstorms.

August 30, 2003

It is S-T-E-A-M-Y this morning! It seems that we are receiving August's humidity all at once.  But soon enough fall will arrive, and with it cooler temperatures - hopefully without hurricanes.  All of this heat and humidity does provide the perfect excuse to head to the beach to enjoy the ocean breezes.  Will you be in the water today?

KICA Announcement: There will be no commercial work permitted on the island on September 1^st due to the Labor Day holiday.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: A doe and her fawn, two "single" deer, one alligator, and one mama raccoon with two babies.

It is 78 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the high eighties today. We currently have 93% humidity, and there is a 20% chance of thunderstorms.

August 29, 2003

Can you say H-O-T?  It is another typical August day on the island.  We have 90% humidity, but at least today there is not a chance of rain. It is difficult to believe that the summer is nearly over already!

KICA Announcement: There will be no commercial work permitted on the island on September 1^st due to the Labor Day holiday.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three deer, dozens of snowy egrets, two bottlenose dolphins, one teeny weeny baby dolphin, several pelicans, and one mama raccoon with two babies.

Once again, it is 79 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the low to mid-nineties today.

August 28, 2003

Whew! It is another steamy morning here on the island.  We have "only" 90% humidity right now - an improvement over yesterday! However, the heat index will be between 100 and 105, so once again, please be careful out there!

The photo above was taken on Cougar Island.  Have you ever visited it?  If not, you might be interested in the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy's Fall Weekend.  There will be two Cougar Island Safari's led by Norm Norton, Conservancy Chairman.  Visit the Conservancy's web site for all the details!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One doe in the dunes, four deer, one ruby-throated hummingbird, one broad-headed skink, two anoles,  several pelicans, and one mama raccoon with two babies.

It is 79 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the low nineties today, with a 20% chance of thunderstorms.

August 27, 2003

It is a steamy morning here on the island.  We already have 95% humidity, and there is a heat advisory for today, so please be careful out there!

Mars Attacks Update... For those folks who didn't stay up late to see Mars, you may click here to see the Hubble telescope's photos of the event.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One buck and one doe in the dunes, two deer, several pelicans, and one mama raccoon with two babies.

It is 77 degrees at 8:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be over ninety today.

August 26, 2003

Mars Attacks!  For those of you interested in astronomical events, the planet Mars is getting ready for a "close-up"!  The red planet is coming as near to Earth tomorrow morning as it has in almost 60,000 years!

The closest pass will be August 27th at 5:51 a.m. EDT. It will be less than 34.65 million miles (55.76 million km) away. The last time it came nearer was around September 12 in 57,617 B.C. That time it came about 25,000 miles (40,230 km) closer, at a distance of 34.62 million miles (55.72 million km) from Earth.

Better plan to be up extra early tomorrow (or stay up VERY late) to see Mars!

Mars Attacks Update... Lynn Armstrong did a bit more research and has found that Mars will be nearly out of Kiawah's line of sight at its closest point.  So if you want to see it, go outside after midnight.  Check here for information.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Five baby loggerhead sea turtles, one doe and her fawn, 14  pelicans, and one mama raccoon with two babies.

It is 75 degrees at 8:14 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach ninety today, with a 20% chance of rain.

August 25, 2003

This is beginning to sound like a broken record... this morning dawned overcast and gray.  But it looks like the sun is going to stay hidden for a while yet.  

Did you know? 

Kiawah is home to many species of snakes.  You can find them in all parts of the island: the dunes, the maritime forest, the beach, the surf, the ponds, the marsh, and swampy areas. About half of South Carolina's 30 species of snakes can be found on Kiawah.  The Town of Kiawah Island has a very informative brochure describing some of Kiawah's snakes.  It is free, and is available at the Visitor's Center at the Town Hall.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One ruby-throated hummingbird, one black & white warbler, one deer, and one mama raccoon with two babies.

It is 75 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be  in the upper eighties once again, and the chance of thunderstorms is 20%.

August 24, 2003

This morning dawned a bit overcast and gray.  But now the sun has shown itself, (shone itself? J) and it looks to be another lovely summer day on the island.

Since it is so pleasant today, it is time for another virtual excursion to one of Kiawah's natural wonders! Thus far we have "visited" Marsh Island Park, the Marsh View Tower, Kildeer Pond, the Kiawah Swamp Garden, and the Sparrow Pond Nature Trail.  Today's jaunt is the Rhett's Bluff Nature Area.  This is a wetland area that showcases many of Kiawah's native plants.  There is a raised boardwalk to stroll through the area.  Why not go visit and take a look for yourself?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three deer, two broad-headed skinks, one fox, and one mama raccoon with two babies.

It is 77 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  We will experience temperatures in the upper eighties, and the chance of thunderstorms has dropped to 20%.     

August 23, 2003

This morning dawned bright and beautiful (with apologies to James Herriot for stealing his book title!).  Hopefully we will have a respite from the rain today, at least during the daylight hours.

If anyone out there is interested in bobcats, you should visit the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy's web site!  Your neighbor George Muller has provided a photo of a baby bobcat sitting in his birdbath!  Our bobcats do show up in the oddest places...

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One doe with her fawn, several snowy egrets, one black vulture along the Kiawah Island Parkway, and one mama raccoon with two babies.

It is 77 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  Once again today will be a duplicate of yesterday's weather; temperatures in the mid to upper eighties, with a 30% chance of thunderstorms.     

August 22, 2003

Kiawah is a bit gray and overcast this morning. But there are quite a few birds serenading the island this morning.  One particularly vociferous cardinal seems determined to let everyone know he is around. His unmistakable song sounds loud and clear over the other birdsong.  What birds can you hear now?

Turtle Hatching News: Thus far 98 nests have hatched.  Nest #127 is the highest numbered nest to have hatched so far.  Our final nest count is still 225.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One ruby-throated hummingbird, one broad-headed skink, roughly 60  pelicans, and one mama raccoon with two babies. 

It is 75 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  Today will be a repeat of yesterday's weather; temperatures in the mid-eighties, with a 30% chance of thunderstorms.   

August 21, 2003

Mother Nature was kind to us yesterday!  The rain waited until after dark, and stopped early this morning.  So while it is a bit steamy outside, the sun has popped out and is shining brightly.

Turtle Hatching News: Thus far 98 nests have hatched.  Nest #127 is the highest numbered nest to have hatched so far.  Our final nest count is still 225.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One broad-headed skink, one snake of unknown type (@12 inches long, green-silver - if you know what it is, please click here!), one alligator, and one mama raccoon with two babies.

It is 77 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  Once again the temperature should reach the mid-eighties today, and there is a 30% chance of thunderstorms this afternoon.   

August 20, 2003

It is a bit overcast here this morning.  No real rain to speak of yet, just a tad sticky with low hanging clouds overhead.

There is a special event on the island today. The authors of Raising the Hunley, Brian Hicks and Schuyler Kropf, will be at the Sandcastle to discuss their book. The discussion will focus on the 1864 disappearance of the Hunley and its dramatic recovery in August of 2000.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One ruby-throated hummingbird, three deer, two alligators, four baby loggerheads, and one raccoon.

It is 77 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the mid-eighties today, with a 20% chance of showers.

August 19, 2003

Today is Disaster Awareness Day!  The Town of Kiawah Island is sponsoring a meeting at East Beach Conference Center starting at 2:00 p.m.  Come to find out about Kiawah's evacuation procedures and what to do in case of a hurricane.  You will even be "bribed" with refreshments!

Have you noticed that the golden silk spiders are starting to disappear from the island?  It is another sure sign that summer is nearing a close.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One fox at the River Course, a doe and her fawn, and one mama raccoon with two babies.

It is 79 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties today, and there is a 30% chance of showers.

August 18, 2003

It is a beautiful morning!  It is much less humid than it has been recently, with a light breeze.  Looks like another terrific day to "get outside and play"! 

The Kiawah Island Property Owner's Group has launched their newly re-designed web site.  Click here or on their button above to check it out.

Don't forget that tomorrow is Disaster Awareness Day!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Sixteen baby loggerhead turtles, a doe with her fawn, one ruby-throated hummingbird, and one mama raccoon with two babies.

It is 77 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the upper eighties today, and once again there is a 40% chance of showers.

August 17, 2003

It is a bit cooler this morning than it has been recently.  Is it a small harbinger of weather to come? The birds certainly seem to think so - they are raising a raucous chorus this morning. They must be celebrating, right? J 

The clouds are drifting lazily overhead - no doubt massing for an August shower later this afternoon!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One broad-headed skink, one ruby-throated hummingbird, one osprey,  and one raccoon.

It is 73 degrees at 8:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be near 90 today, with a 40% chance of showers.

August 16, 2003

Turtle Nesting News: There have been no new nests on our beach since August 11th. So our total this season is 225 nests! This puts the turtles at 45 more nests than last year, but 31 less than Kiawah's best nesting year (1999).  Art Zackrison sent the photo above of a female loggerhead heading back to the water after nesting.  Thanks for sharing Art!

Turtle Hatching News: Thus far 68 nests have hatched, with #91 as the highest number to have hatched so far.  Have you seen a loggerhead this summer?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One ruby-throated hummingbird, three deer, one alligator, two baby loggerheads, one osprey and one raccoon.

It is 77 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the upper eighties today, and there is a 30% chance of showers.

August 15, 2003

Once again we start our day with a giant dose of humidity.  Isn't it humility we are supposed to have in abundance? J Quick! Someone contact the letter police.  Our "l" has been stolen and replaced with a "d"! 

Today will be a good day to test out the ocean waters, or better still, the pool.  Hot and steamy is the perfect excuse for some soothing cool water. Or perhaps a large serving of something C-O-L-D?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One painted bunting, one broad-headed skink, one ruby-throated hummingbird, one osprey and three raccoons.

It is 78 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be near ninety today.  There is a 20% chance of showers.   

August 14, 2003

It's a steamy morning again this morning. August is certainly serving up some hot, humid weather - is it possible to recall July?

The island is starting to get quieter.  Vacationers have headed home, the little ones have started school, and no one seems to have much energy.  Folks give the impression of being content to simply sit and rest.  Perhaps we are taking a brief breather before fall truly arrives?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One ruby-throated hummingbird,  four deer, one raccoon, and one osprey.

It is 77 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature will be in the upper eighties again today, and there is a 30% chance of rain.   

August 13, 2003

Whew!  How do you spell H-U-M-I-D-I-T-Y?  It is steamy on our little island this morning. You can see windows fogged up as you walk down the street.  Our air conditioners will be working overtime!

One property owner is thanking Kiawah's security folks today...seems a four foot black snake decided to take a dip in their pool, and security was nice enough to relocate it.  Thanks for warning us Chris!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Four foxes who were "visiting" the Town Center one four foot black snake,  one raccoon, and one osprey.

It is 77 degrees at 8:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the upper eighties again, with a 30% chance of rain.  Sound familiar?

August 12, 2003

More Turtle News! Just when we thought nesting season was over... the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol says that one more nest was laid yesterday.  That brings our total this season to 225 nests! This puts the turtles at 45 more nests than last year, but 31 less than Kiawah's best nesting year (1999).

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One mother bobcat with two babies, one raccoon, one osprey, and one marsh hawk.

It is 79 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid to upper eighties, with a 30% chance of rain.   

August 11, 2003

It is difficult to believe that the summer is over! But it is definitely that time again...the children on Johns Island are back in school this morning.  Things around here are bound to be a bit quieter now! <grin>

Island visitors are starting to head back too - home, that is.  And so are the female loggerhead turtles.  Nesting season appears to be over.  But hatching season is in full swing!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two broad-headed skinks (one large and one small!), one raccoon, three deer, one snowy egret, and one osprey.  

It is 73 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  Once again the temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties. There is a 30% chance of rain. 

August 10, 2003

At last the rain has let up!  This morning is another lovely summer day on Kiawah.  Although the sunshine is welcome, all this rain has worked a summer miracle on the island.  The trees are tall and the vegetation is lush - not typical for a dry, humid summer.  So why not "go outside and play" in Kiawah's fantastic summer playland today?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One ruby-throated hummingbird, one broad-headed skink, one raccoon, and one osprey with a fish. (Does that count as two critters?) 

It is 80 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the mid-eighties again today, and once again there is a 40% chance of rain.  Sound familiar?

August 9, 2003

Turtle patrol on Kiawah is a serious business, guided by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.  But the turtle patrol volunteers do have some lighter moments!  The photo above is Marilyn Blizard with the Kolkaba family, visiting from Chagrin Falls, Ohio.  They became unexpected, instant friends as the Kolkabas began asking some earnest questions about loggerhead turtles.

This weekend is your "last chance" to participate in the school supplies donation to Mt. Zion Elementary school.  If you would like to take part this year, click here for information. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One red-bellied woodpecker ,dozens of snowy egrets, two raccoons, three deer, and one osprey.  Click here to include the critters you have seen in tomorrow's Critter Count!

It is 77 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the mid-eighties today, and there is a 40% chance of rain. 

August 8, 2003

Kiawah is overcast again this morning. It appears that we may be getting a bit of rain today. Hopefully that means the storm front will be gone by the weekend!  Every once in a while the sun peeks through the cloud cover as if checking the storm status - rather like us peeking out of our windows to do the same!

This weekend is your "last chance" to participate in the school supplies donation to Mt. Zion Elementary school.  If you would like to take part this year, click here for information. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One brown rabbit, a doe and her fawn, one marsh hawk, and one osprey.  Click here to include the critters you have seen in tomorrow's Critter Count!

It is 75 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the upper eighties again today, this time with a 50% chance of rain.

August 7, 2003

The island awoke to an overcast sky and cooler temperatures this morning. August has certainly been pretty soggy so far, and it looks as if today will be no exception.

Have you noticed the crepe myrtle trees recently?  They seem to be doing their best to decorate the island with their beautiful blossoms - red, white, purple, and pink, they provide splashes of color as you make your way around Kiawah. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three deer, two sea stars, a dozen pelicans, and one osprey.  Have you seen critters?  Click here to include your critters in tomorrow's Critter Count!

It is 75 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the upper eighties today, with a 70% chance of thunderstorms.

August 6, 2003

It looks like it will be another typical South Carolina summer day. It is sunny now, but there are clouds overhead and a hint of moisture in the air.  Better get outside now while you still can!

Tourist season is winding down - school begins here next week, and at most other schools soon after. Hopefully everyone who visited Kiawah this year enjoyed themselves immensely and will be back in the future. How was your summer?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bobcat, one red-tailed hawk, one barred owl, and one raccoon.  Have you seen critters?  Click here to include your critters in tomorrow's Critter Count!

It is 81 degrees at 9:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the mid-eighties today, with a 50% chance of thunderstorms.

August 5, 2003

You may have read about the Northern Lights - a faint glow on the horizon with green and red flames of light stretching across the sky. OK, so we don't have those here on Kiawah.  But we do have our own!  The clouds provided assistance to create Kiawah's version of "Southern Lights" shown in the photo above.

Non-resident property owners may be receiving tax refunds - click the link on the left, Charleston Co. ordered to refund $9.3M in taxes, to find out more.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Four golden silk spiders, one anole, one broad-headed skink, and one raccoon.  Have you seen critters?  Click here to include your critters in tomorrow's Critter Count!

It is 73 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the  high eighties today, with a 30% chance of showers.

August 4, 2003

Hopefully the brief shower we received this morning will be the only rain we have today.  But with a 60% chance of thunderstorms, it doesn't seem likely.  We certainly seem to be in the part of summer that is perpetually "hot and humid with a chance of rain".  It sounds like a broken record...

Just one more week until school begins here in Charleston.  Isn't it hard to believe that the summer is almost over?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One black vulture, thirty-two pelicans, a doe and her fawn, and three raccoons.  Have you seen critters?  Click here to include your critters in tomorrow's Critter Count!

It is 79 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the mid-eighties again today, this time with a 60% chance of showers.

August 3, 2003

Kiawah has several areas set aside with nature trails, some with ponds, some with observation towers, and some with boardwalks.  One such area is the Sparrow Pond Nature Trail.  It is located along Sparrow Pond and Duneside Cottages.  As you walk or bicycle the paths, you will see a natural pond and vegetated island.  Native plants and animals are there for your viewing pleasure as well!  Have you  visited Sparrow Pond Nature Trail?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Ten pelicans, one marsh hawk, one osprey, and one raccoon.  Have you seen critters?  Click here to include your critters in tomorrow's Critter Count!

It is 81 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the mid-eighties again today, and once again there is a 40% chance of showers.

August 2, 2003

Apparently everyone needs to get outside early and enjoy the sunshine.  It is supposed to rain (again!) this afternoon.   Even if we humans are not particularly enjoying the rain, the birds certainly are.  Take a look at the lagoons and ponds as you move about the island - you should see many different types of birds. Egrets, herons, ibis, wood storks ... all of them are undoubtedly reveling in the showers we have been experiencing!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One fox, a doe and her fawn (see above), one wood stork, several snowy egrets, one osprey, and one raccoon.  Have you seen critters?  Click here to include your critters in tomorrow's Critter Count!

It is 76 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the mid-eighties today.  Beginning late morning there is a 60% chance of showers.

August 1, 2003

Today's new photo comes to us courtesy of Joe Zambito.  These two "hang out" in Joe's front yard, and apparently truly appreciate his landscaping efforts!  You may know that there is an on-going deer study on Kiawah.  Click here to read An Interview with Shane Roberts, who has been working on the study this past year.

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along their latest update: As of July 30th, there are 221 loggerhead nests on our beach.  This puts the turtles at 42 more nests than this time last year, but 28 less than Kiawah's best nesting year (1999).  Please remember that "Sea turtles dig the dark!", please refrain from using flashlights during your nightly beach strolls.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: A doe and her fawn (see above), one osprey, and one raccoon.  Have you seen critters?  Click here to include your critters in tomorrow's Critter Count!

It is 80 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the high eighties today.  There is a 50% chance of showers this morning, increasing to 70% by this afternoon.