July 31, 2003

Looks like yet another fabulous day on our little barrier island. This morning the ocean breezes are gentle and fresh - like breaths of cool air brushing across your face. Even the water is calm and peaceful. Will you be spending any time at the beach today? 

Where has July gone? This July must be one of the coolest on record, with our temperatures in the eighties instead of the hundreds.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One painted bunting, a doe and her fawn, one osprey, a young albino raccoon, and one "regular" raccoon.  Have you seen critters too?  Be a part of the Critter Count!  Click here to include your critters in tomorrow's Critter Count!

It is 77 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the mid-eighties again today, and once again there is a 40% chance of thunderstorms.

July 30, 2003

Dare we hope that another sunny morning means that we are back to normal?  Of course it is not 100 degrees as it usually is in late July, but that is fine with us!  This morning is a delightfully cool morning with plenty of sunshine to go around.  And all of this after an incredible "light show" last night.  The lightning illuminated the clouds from within, casting a purplish glow through the night sky. Did you see nature's fireworks last night?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: A doe and her fawn, one osprey, one opossum, six baby loggerhead turtles, and one raccoon.  Have you seen critters too?  If so, please click here to have your critters included in tomorrow's Critter Count!

It is 75 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the mid-eighties today, with a 50% chance of scattered showers.

July 29, 2003

Many of Kiawah's residents, furry and otherwise, are cautiously peeking out from their homes this morning.  Could it be that the bright glow above is truly the sun?  Yes!  After a very soggy Monday, today appears to be headed towards a lovely summer day. What will you do with it?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three deer, one osprey, dozens of snowy egrets, and one raccoon.

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

July 28, 2003

Kiawah is currently on the receiving end of another set of thunderstorms.  The weather service says there may be as much as 1/2" of rain from the showers.  Looks like everyone will be searching for indoor activities to entertain themselves!  Movies anyone?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: A doe and her fawn, 10 baby loggerhead turtles, one osprey, one red-bellied woodpecker, and one raccoon.

It is 75 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the low nineties today. There is a 40% chance of thunderstorms.

July 27, 2003

Once again the sun is shining on our fair island - thank goodness!  For a while it certainly seemed that we would all float away in all the rain we have had this week. Hopefully you found a way to stay dry!  Now that the sun is back out, are you ready to "go outside and play?"

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three deer, 6 baby loggerhead turtles, one osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 81 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the upper eighties today.  There is still a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms this afternoon.

July 26, 2003

Kiawah was once again the recipient of storms last night.  The flashes of lightning and cracks of thunder were enough to rouse you from the deepest slumber!  It is still raining this morning, though the "noise" has ceased.  It will be a wet check-out for the folks leaving the island today. Looks like it is possibly an indoor day?  Curling up with a good book or a movie may be in order!

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along their latest update: As of July 24th, there are 214 loggerhead nests on our beach.  This puts the turtles at 38 more nests than this time last year, but 13 less than Kiawah's best nesting year (1999).  "Sea turtles dig the dark!", so remember, "Lights out for sea turtles"!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One ladderback woodpecker, two red-bellied woodpeckers, one osprey,  and one raccoon.

It is 73 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to reach the lower eighties today.  There is a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms.  The weather channel says this morning there will be 1 to 2 inches of rain per hour!  Watch for flooding...

July 25, 2003

The two baby painted buntings in the above photo have soft green-toned feathers.  It takes several years - if one is a male - before it will change to the bright colors of blue head, red body and chartreuse back. Have you ever seen a painted bunting?

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along their latest update: As of July 24th, there are 214 loggerhead nests on our beach.  This puts the turtles at 38 more nests than this time last year, but 13 less than Kiawah's best nesting year (1999).  "Sea turtles dig the dark!", so remember, "Lights out for sea turtles"!

Everything seems to be up and running with KICA's new improved server! The KICA web site, mail list, and e-mail should now be available.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: A doe and her fawn, one osprey,  one broad-headed skink, two snowy egrets, and two drenched raccoons.

It is 75 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be near eighty today, and there is a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.

July 24, 2003

Once again Kiawah was the recipient of some hard rain. It pummeled the island throughout the night, but seems to have drifted away right now.  It is overcast and a bit "drippy" currently.  Hopefully the rain is done and will leave us a little sunshine in its wake.

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along their latest update: As of July 24th, there are 214 loggerhead nests on our beach.  This puts the turtles at 38 more nests than this time last year, but 13 less than Kiawah's best nesting year (1999).  "Sea turtles dig the dark!", so remember, "Lights out for sea turtles"!

KICA is migrating to a new and improved server. During this time the KICA web site, mail list, and e-mail will be unavailable. We thank you in advance for your patience. This process could take up to 72 hours. Anything submitted to the list during migration will bounce back to you as undeliverable.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three deer, one osprey, two foxes, one anole, one pileated woodpecker, and one raccoon.

It is 75 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the low eighties again today, with a 60% chance of rain.

July 23, 2003

Our island was walloped with some serious storms this morning! The rain seemed to crash into windows sideways at times.  The wind was not to be left out, doubling over some trees and strewing palm fronds and Spanish moss everywhere.

Don't Forget! Today is the book signing and reception with Kiawah Reads author Tamar Myers.

KICA is migrating to a new and improved server. During this time the KICA web site, mail list, and e-mail will be unavailable. We thank you in advance for your patience. This process could take up to 72 hours. Anything submitted to the list during migration will bounce back to you as undeliverable.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two deer playing tag on Surfsong Road, a doe and her fawn, two ospreys, and one raccoon.

It is 75 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the  low eighties today, with a 70% chance of thunderstorms.

July 22, 2003

We have another humid morning here on the island. Today was a turtle patrol morning for the webmaster, so the Critter Count includes some loggerheads!  Roughly two dozen people witnessed a nest evaluation this morning.  A nest is evaluated three days after hatching, and often there are baby loggerheads waiting to greet the lucky folks who watch. If you see red t-shirts on the beach, chances are the turtle patrol is checking for hatchlings.  Be sure to stop and say hello!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Six baby loggerhead turtles, four deer, twenty-seven pelicans, two ospreys, and one raccoon.

It is 80 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties again today. There is a 50% chance of thunderstorms.

July 21, 2003

Whew is it humid this morning! Folks with air conditioners on have fogged windows!  The weather channel says it will reach only the mid-eighties today, but it certainly feels like it is going to be a scorcher. Looks like everyone will be searching for ways to stay cool today.  Perhaps a swimming pool is in your future?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Four deer, seven pelicans, four ospreys, a doe and her fawn, and one raccoon.

It is 79 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid-eighties again today. The "special surprise" in store for us today is 89% humidity.

July 20, 2003

Marilyn Blizard kindly sent this photo of the male painted bunting that frequents their feeder. Apparently this little fellow heard that the "Blizard's Bar & Grill" serves terrific food! Bill and Marilyn say that he stops by almost daily.

You may know that the painted bunting is on the logo for the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy.  Click here to listen to the bunting's song.  You may also click the link in the photo caption above to learn more about this colorful bird.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Sixty-seven pelicans (!), two osprey, a doe and her fawn, and one raccoon.

It is 73 degrees at 8:30a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid-eighties again today.

July 19, 2003

Don't forget: Today is the Jumpin' Family Luau at the Sandcastle!   Join the Sandcastle staff for a trip to the tropics without leaving Kiawah! There will be food, games, and activities.

Looks like we are back to a "normal" July, with temperatures in the high eighties / low nineties and a perpetual chance of thunderstorms.  It is already muggy outside! The sky is a lovely shade of blue with tufts of clouds mixed throughout.  The sun is peeking through the clouds, playing hide and seek with them.

Each year many Kiawah residents donate school supplies to Mt. Zion Elementary school.  If you would like to take part this year, click here for information.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One male and one female painted bunting, two immature painted buntings, one osprey, and three raccoons.

It is 75 degrees at 7:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid-eighties again today, with a 50% chance of thunderstorms this afternoon.

July 18, 2003

This tree (at the Marsh Tower on Governor's Drive) seems to have draped itself in Spanish moss.  The moss floats gently in the breeze, wrapping the oak in folds of grace and elegance.

Don't forget: Tomorrow is the Jumpin' Family Luau at the Sandcastle!   Join the Sandcastle staff for a trip to the tropics without leaving Kiawah! There will be food, games, and activities.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One albino baby raccoon (yes, all white with pink eyes), a doe and her fawn, one osprey, and three raccoons.

It is 77 degrees at 8:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties again today, with a 40% chance of thunderstorms.

July 17, 2003

The island is bursting with color this morning.  The pink crepe myrtles near the front gate are nearly doubled over from the weight of their blossoms.  There are tiny purple blooms on the monkey grass, and all manner of annuals sprinkled around our flower beds.  All the rain must be responsible... When was the last time you remember a July with this much color?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One great blue heron, ten egrets, one osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 79 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid-eighties today, with a 40% chance of thunderstorms.

July 16, 2003

Loggerhead hatching season has begun! The nests are hatching slowly this year, most likely due to the cooler temperatures and rain is the early part of nest in season.  The first nest hatched Sunday July 13th, after a few "early birds" (early turtles?) snuck out during the previous week.  Thus far, this nest is the only hatch of the 200 nests laid to date.

Each year many Kiawah residents donate school supplies to Mt. Zion Elementary school.  If you would like to take part this year, click here for information.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two cardinals, a doe and her fawn, one osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 78 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the upper eighties today.

July 15, 2003

Have you visited the Town of Kiawah Island's new web site yet? The site has a whole new look!  The information on the site is divided into five main headings: "Enjoy the Beach", "Resources for Residents", "Town Government", "Visitor Information", and "Contact Us".  You can locate information on everything from Kiawah's wildlife to beach regulations to the contact information for town officials. Stop by and check it out!

Each year many Kiawah residents donate school supplies to Mt. Zion Elementary school.  If you would like to take part this year, click here for information.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three deer, one osprey, one pileated woodpecker, and one very wet raccoon.

It is 73 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid-eighties again today, with a 60% chance of rain.

July 14, 2003

The storms showed up late yesterday with a vengeance, and the island was awakened this morning to the sound of rolling thunder.  It is far cooler now, and the humidity appears to have "left town", at least for a short while.  The showers have covered the golden silk spider webs with mist, giving them a decorative effect. 

This may be of interest to you turtle lovers out there - a leatherback sea turtle has nested on Folly Beach!  This is the second nest in South Carolina this year for a leatherback.  You may know that this is the most endangered of the world's sea turtles. If you would like to read about it, click here.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One doe with her fawn, one broad-headed skink, one osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 72 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties today, with a 50% chance of rain.

July 13, 2003

This morning has dawned overcast and slightly cooler.  It looks like thunderstorms are on the way for this afternoon.  Maybe they will cool things off a bit, or at least shoo away the humidity for a short while.

This may be of interest to you turtle lovers out there - a leatherback sea turtle has nested on Folly Beach!  This is the second nest in South Carolina this year for a leatherback.  You may know that this is the most endangered of the world's sea turtles. If you would like to read about it, click here.

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol informs us that as of July 10th, there are 185 loggerhead nests on our beach.  Remember, light and noise can disturb the nesting turtles, so "Lights out for sea turtles!", and please turn those flashlights off during your nighttime strolls on the beach.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One mama loggerhead turtle, two cardinals, seven pelicans, one osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 77 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be in the upper eighties today, with a 60% chance of rain this afternoon.

July 12, 2003

The loggerhead turtles are about to hatch here on Kiawah.  Every year the baby turtles spend 50 to 60 days in their eggs, waiting until the "perfect" moment to emerge into the world.  Soon the turtle patrol will be reporting on the first hatch of the season! One of last year's baby loggerheads is shown in the photo above.  Have you been fortunate enough to observe a loggerhead turtle?

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol informs us that as of July 10th, there are 185 loggerhead nests on our beach.  Remember, light and noise can disturb the nesting turtles, so "Lights out for sea turtles!", and please turn those flashlights off during your nighttime strolls on the beach.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two deer, dozens of pelicans, one great blue heron, one osprey, one marsh hawk, and one raccoon.

It is 81 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the low nineties today, with a 30% chance of rain.

July 11, 2003

Has anyone else noticed that the "Squirrel Olympics" are in town?  Every day squirrels are playing "Corkscrew Chase" up and down the trees, racing across yards, and "flying" from palm frond to palm frond.  They certainly seem to be holding their own track & field events!

Don't forget to mark your calendar for this year's Kiawah Reads author visit to the Sandcastle! Tamar Myers will be here July 23rd.  See the link at left for details.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One doe and her fawn, six pelicans, three snowy egrets, one osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 79 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the upper eighties today, with a 40% chance of rain.

July 10, 2003

It will be hot and sticky again today, not a big surprise for July.  The heat index is supposed to be between 100 and 105 degrees, so be careful out there!  Remember to stay hydrated and use plenty of sunscreen. 

The island is still packed with vacationers, but soon they will be but a memory.  School begins in 4 weeks (already?) and the vacationers will be headed home soon to prepare.  Doesn't it seem that they barely arrived and Memorial Day was just here? Summer certainly moves quickly here in the Lowcountry.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Six deer: two does and four fawns, one red-tailed hawk (#7 at Turtle Point), one egret, two osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 81 degrees at 7:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the low nineties today, with a 20% chance of rain.

July 9, 2003

It is already warm and humid this morning - it looks to be another scorcher! Hopefully you have found your personal "survival instinct" and are not immobilized by the heat.  Everyone seems to have their own recipe for surviving in the summer - perhaps you have a unique idea?  If so, please send it to the webmaster by clicking here and your ideas will be posted.  You will be doing your neighbors and guests a great service by sharing! 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One deer, two egrets, one broad-headed skink, one osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 81 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the low to mid-nineties today, with a 30% chance of rain.

July 8, 2003

This morning presents more July weather for us - mostly sunny, humid, and very warm.  There are lots of folks wilting in this sticky heat!  It would be a perfect day to enjoy the ocean breezes or perhaps spend time at the pool.  How will you "beat the heat" today?

One of our resident's web sites, Kiawah Chats, has information from Norm Shea regarding the duckweed that has been covering many of Kiawah's lagoons.  Click here to read Norm's article.

The issues KICA was experiencing with their e-mail and mail list have been resolved. However, there are still a few problems with the web site. Click here to read a note from Joe Bunting regarding the issue. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: A doe with her fawn, two anoles, one great blue heron, one alligator, one osprey, and one raccoon.

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

July 7, 2003

It looks to be another lovely summer day here on the island today.  The sky is a wonderful azure blue with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily past.  The oleanders are nearly spent, having just a few straggler blooms remaining.  The crepe myrtles are in full flower though, and bushels of white, purple, and pink blossoms festoon the island.  Do you have a favorite summer flower?

KICA is experiencing problems with their e-mail, web site, and mail list.  Click here to read a note from Joe Bunting regarding the issue. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One anole, one fox, three pelicans, one egret, two alligators, one osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 79 degrees at 8:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the  upper eighties today, with a 20% chance of rain.

July 6, 2003

It is another lovely day on Kiawah.  The weather is still cooperating, bestowing warm temperatures and soft ocean breezes. 

The photo above is one of Kiawah's lagoons.  Although not visible in this photo, the fish were jumping right out of the water!  Were they (like us) jumping for joy for the fabulous weather?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One fox, one ladderback woodpecker, six pelicans, two egrets, three alligators, one osprey, and one raccoon.

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

July 5, 2003

Did everyone enjoy the fireworks last night?  Or perhaps your celebration of choice was the festival at Night Heron Park, or the viewing the sand sculptures on the beach yesterday afternoon. Whatever your preference, this fourth of July was wonderful!  The weather cooperated quite nicely and treated us to a lovely summer day.

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol informs us that as of July 2nd, there are 163 loggerhead nests on our beach.  Please remember that light and noise can disturb the nesting turtles, so "Lights out for sea turtles!", and please turn those flashlights off during your nighttime strolls on the beach.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two young moorhens, and a young clapper rail, crossing Governor's Drive!  A dozen pelicans, two egrets, one alligator, one osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 75 degrees at 8:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties today, with a 30% chance of rain.

July 4, 2003

*** Happy Fourth of July! ***

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday! Thanks to Bill Blizard, who sent a link for the fourth that is particularly appropriate for us here at the seaside.  Click here to view it. 

The photo above shows turtle patrol members Randy & Gwen Gilmore.  They are probing to locate the eggs in a loggerhead nest prior to marking it. 

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol informs us that as of July 2nd, there are 163 loggerhead nests on our beach.  Please remember that light and noise can disturb the nesting turtles, so "Lights out for sea turtles!", and please turn those flashlights off during your nighttime strolls on the beach.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One great blue heron, one marsh hawk, five egrets, three alligators, one osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 80 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the high eighties again today, with a 40% chance of rain.

July 3, 2003

The rain seems to have ceased, at least for a while.  Let us hope we do not have a soggy Fourth of July.  Fireworks are tomorrow evening, in addition to many activities at the Sandcastle and/or sponsored by the Resort. Hope to see you there! (The links at left provide additional details.)

Marilyn Blizard weighed in this morning with a comment on her photo above: shortly after the photo of the deer was taken, they began romping in the surf!  Now that would be something to see!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One painted bunting, three egrets, one alligator, one osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 75 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the high eighties today.  Good news: there is only a 30% chance of showers!

July 2, 2003

We certainly are receiving our share of rain these days. The tourists must be wondering if they mistakenly arrived in rainy Seattle!  But everyone's lawns are certainly appreciative, even if the beachgoers are not.  

A few people have mentioned their amazement about the four deer in the photo above - apparently they have never seen Kiawah's "dune deer" before!  Have you ever seen deer on the beach?  Or perhaps hoof prints?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: A doe and her fawn, two egrets, two alligators, one osprey,  and one raccoon.

It is 79 degrees at 8:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid-eighties today.  There is a 70% chance of showers.

July 1, 2003

Welcome to July!  It is amazing that June is over already.  It seems just yesterday it was Memorial Day and the island was preparing for the annual influx of visitors.  Yet here we are in July! 

Marilyn Blizard spied the four deer above one morning while on turtle patrol. She "captured" them on film - do you suppose they were returning from a romp in the surf?

Turtle News: The Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol has passed along the latest turtle update: As of June 30th, there are 154 loggerhead nests on our beach.  Remember: "Sea turtles dig the dark!", so please keep those flashlights off during your nighttime strolls on the beach.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Four green herons, one alligator, one anole, three cardinals, one osprey, four egrets, and one raccoon.

It is 79 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties again today.  Today there is a 60% chance of showers.