May 31, 2003

It is a marvelous morning on Kiawah!  The sun is shining brightly and there is not a cloud in the sky. The birds are singing happily, twittering amongst the tree limbs.  It is difficult to believe that we have already reached the end of May - the month has passed so quickly!

The new yoga classes begin this morning at the Sandcastle, so grab your yoga mat and come stretch with your neighbors.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three egrets, one osprey apparently feeding its young (Pintail Pond), one wild turkey, two striped skinks, and one raccoon. 

It is 72 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be near 90 today, with a 40% chance of rain.  You may have noticed that our original weather sticker is back - yea!  Apparently they have resolved their problems, so now we have switched back. 

May 30, 2003

Tourist season is getting into full swing now.  Everywhere you look there are folks enjoying all that Kiawah has to offer - biking, rollerblading, swimming, walking and running, even just lounging by the ocean!  Hopefully you have been taking advantage of the nice weather too.  What enjoyable pastime have you treated yourself to lately?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One egret and one alligator (who seemed to think the egret was lunch!), two red-winged blackbirds (Willet Pond), one osprey (Pintail Pond), and one raccoon. 

 It is 65 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach 83 again today.  You may have noticed that our original weather sticker is back - yea!  Apparently they have resolved their problems, so now we have switched back.

May 29, 2003

Bob Struble was kind enough to share the above photo.  Bob says that he would have sworn that his golf ball landed somewhere near this spot, but when he arrived, only the pelican was there, and it wasn't talking!  Do you suppose Bob took the drop? Or did the pelican cough up the ball?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Several cormorants, four red-winged blackbirds, two osprey, and one raccoon.

It is 67 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be 83 today, with a slight chance of rain this afternoon.

May 28, 2003

It is a wonderfully cool morning on the island today! The birds even seem to be singing louder and more joyfully...OK, that may be a stretch.  But the weather has brought us a delightful crisp cool morning, one that we can all enjoy.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Many seagulls, twelve pelicans, a red-headed skink, one blue bird, one chickadee, and one raccoon.

It is 65 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach 85 today, with NO chance of rain!

May 27, 2003

It is not so bright and beautiful on Kiawah this morning.  It is very humid and muggy, with low hanging clouds blanketing the sky. There is not a spec of sunshine to be seen right now.  It will be a welcome relief when (if?) the rain begins.

Have you seen people riding around in golf carts WITHOUT clubs?  Do they stop frequently, strolling into backyards?  If you have seen folks like these, you have witnessed Kiawah's Bird House Team in action!  The team is in full gear now, checking bird houses on Kiawah's golf courses, and tracking the birds and their young. Be sure to wave hello the next time you see them!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One alligator, two egrets, one wild turkey, and a doe with her fawn (all in The Preserve) and one raccoon.

It is 72 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties today, once again with a 40% chance of thunderstorms.

May 26, 2003

It is another beautiful, "sun-shiny" day on Kiawah.  The humidity is hanging in the air this morning, making it much muggier than normal for this time of year.  Still, it is a very nice day to "go outside and play"!  So drag out your walking shoes, bike, or whatever, and have some fun!

Folks will be traveling home from the long weekend, so please be careful on the roads.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One cardinal, three alligators, a red-tailed hawk, two dolphins, and one raccoon. 

It is 73 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid-eighties again today, with a 40% chance of thunderstorms.

May 25, 2003

More animal stories this morning... someone spotted an alligator at Osprey Point yesterday. Now, that is not terribly unusual, since the lagoons there house several.  But this one was a bit different!  Walking along, a noise sent eyes scouring the bushes and path for the source.  The noise was a low, dull roar.  Lo and behold, there was a middle-sized (about 6 or 7 feet) alligator!  It had its back arched, and was walking around - perhaps protecting its nest?  Either way, between the hawks and alligators "on patrol" these days, be careful out there!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Six cardinals (really!), one alligator, one osprey, and one raccoon. 

It is 70 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties today, with a 30% chance of thunderstorms. 

May 24, 2003

It is another lovely day on the island.  The photo above is the "one raccoon" always listed in the Critter Count.  Nicknamed "Princess" she lives in a tree on Marsh Island Drive.

Another "hawk attack" on #10 at Turtle Point.  Apparently there is a red-tailed hawk nest roughly 100 yards from #10 green, and golfers there should beware of a momma red-tailed "kamikaze" hawk!  She is VERY protective of her nest these days.

Spoleto is now in full swing, so there will be lots of exciting and interesting things keep us occupied!  Remember, if you are looking to entertain and wonder what to do, check our newest site feature, "Things To Do". If you see something missing, please let us know!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One cardinal, one striped skink, one flounder (caught by Stewart Hirsch), and one raccoon. 

It is 72 degrees at 9:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should be near eighty again today, with NO chance of rain.

May 23, 2003

Spoleto begins today, so lots of folks will have guests for the next few weeks. If you are looking to entertain and wonder what to do, remember to check our newest site feature, "Things To Do". If you see something missing, please let us know!

It is 67 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach eighty today, with a 30% chance of thunderstorms.

May 22, 2003

The weather this morning cannot seem to decide what it should "wear" - a soft gray coat, or a sun-dappled one.  Either way, it is another lovely day on Kiawah.

The photo today is from the Critter Count.  This little critter was running around the deck railing, hopping to and fro, enjoying the sunshine.  Sounds like a good way to spend the afternoon, doesn't it?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One cardinal, one alligator (The Preserve), one red-headed skink, one chameleon, and one raccoon.

It is 74 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be near eighty again today, with a chance of thunderstorms.

May 21, 2003

Mother Nature is treating us to a fabulous morning on the island.  The sun is shining, there is a gentle cool breeze, and the air is soft and warm.  The clouds overhead drift slowly past as the breeze pulls them along.  A few folks spotted a large, dark-colored  bird at the nest near the front gate yesterday.  Could it be that "our" eaglet made a quick return visit to the old homestead?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Six cardinals, two alligators (The Preserve), dozens of sea gulls, four pelicans, and one raccoon.

It is 69 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the low eighties today.

May 20, 2003

It is rather cloudy and overcast this morning.  There is even a bit of a chill in the air from the rain.  It may be one of the last chances to throw open the windows for some fresh air!  The 100 degree days will be here before we know it, and along with them...air conditioning season.  Still, today should be an excellent day to go outside and play!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three deer, one blue heron, one green heron (The Preserve), four alligators (Osprey Point golf course), and one raccoon.

It is 61 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-seventies again today. 

May 19, 2003

By now you have seen various friends and neighbors mentioned and pictured here on this site. Whether running in local races or attending functions, we are trying to let you "get to know your Kiawah neighbors". To that end, you are cordially invited to share YOUR accomplishments, special birthdays, or anniversaries! Just click on the link at the bottom of this page to e-mail the webmaster. Please be sure to give as much notice as possible, so that you can be remembered on your special date!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two  raccoons, one large gator RIGHT beside the path, one heron and almost 5k egrets.

 It is 69 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the mid seventies today. 

May 18, 2003

Did you figure out where to find the bridge in the picture above? It is behind the Vanderhorst Gate, on Falcon Point Road. You can cross the bridge over the marsh, and follow a path for a nice walk.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two  raccoons, and one egret

 It is 69 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the high seventies today.   

May 17, 2003

Today's picture is another of Kiawah's lesser known spots. This little bridge is a terrific place to take a little stroll, ride your bike, or just relax and enjoy the sunshine. Do you know where it can be found? <Hint: It is behind the Vanderhorst Gate.>

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three gators, one  raccoon, and one heron. Got Critters? Send us your count for posting.

It is 71 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The temperature should reach the high seventies today. 

May 16, 2003

Turtle News: As of May 14th, there were eight loggerhead nests on Kiawah's beach. Yesterday morning the "Turtle Team" of Jim Kinney, Ruth Ann & Patrick Casey, and Polly Pekruhn relocated a nest that had 163 eggs!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One white egret, three pelicans, one tree frog, one chickadee fledgling, six chickadee chicks, one deer, two raccoons, and one lunar eclipse.

It is 69 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature should reach the mid eighties today. 

May 15, 2003

Today's photo was provided by Bob Struble. The golden hues the sun paints the beach with in the morning are beautifully displayed here. Of course Bob had to get up plenty early to take this photo! Have you visited Kiawah's beach recently?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One white egret, three pelicans, one tree frog, one dolphin, and one raccoon.

It is 63 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature should reach the low eighties today. 

May 14, 2003

It is another lovely day on Kiawah. The sunshine is bathing everything with a golden glow.  The Spanish moss is swaying slowly in the breeze, and the birds are all a-twitter. 

The raccoon that lives in the old oak tree is peeking out at the world this morning.  There may be babies by now, given the odd little noises that issue from the tree after dusk.  What critters have you seen lately?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One blue heron, three snowy white egrets, one deer, one chameleon, and two raccoons.

It is 61 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature should reach the low eighties today. 

May 13, 2003

The photo above was provided courtesy of Art Zackrison. Art is a member of the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol.  While on patrol over this past weekend, Art snapped this photo of a mother loggerhead returning to the ocean.  She was not quite finished with her nest when the patrol arrived, so they were treated to the rare sight of a 350 pound turtle!  Have you ever seen a sea turtle?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One huge barn owl, three (?) red foxes, two egrets, and one raccoon.

It is 62 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties again today. 

May 12, 2003

It seems that we may have a brief respite from the heat wave!  The temperature is much cooler this morning, and it is not supposed to be nearly as warm as the past week.  So today will be a most excellent day to get outside and play!

Turtle News: As of May 11th, there were six loggerhead nests on Kiawah's beach.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One blue heron, dozens of egrets (across from Broomsedge Lane), three  cardinals, and one raccoon.

It is 68 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature should reach the mid-eighties today.  Perhaps our heat wave has passed?

May 11, 2003

Today is another lovely sunny day on the island.  We are still in the midst of this odd heat wave, and the humidity is very high for this time of year.  But the fauna is delightful and green and the critters are happy and frolicking, so all must be right with Kiawah!

Some property owners are starting to head back North.  Probably due to the temperatures beginning to warm in preparation for summer.  This generally does not happen until Memorial Day, but then our weather does not usually turn this warm so soon either!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two great blue herons, four egrets, one skink, one cardinal, sanderlings, many sea gulls, and one raccoon.

It is 76 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature is supposed to be in the low nineties again, with a 20% chance of thunderstorms later in the day.

May 10, 2003

 Loggerhead turtle season is in full swing here on the island.  One of the volunteers on nesting patrol said he saw a female loggerhead finishing up her nest!  It truly is a wonder, watching a 350 pound turtle digging a nest. Please remember:  if you see a female loggerhead, DO NOT DISTURB IT.  Stay several yards behind it and quietly observe.  Have you ever seen a loggerhead turtle?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One mama loggerhead, three deer, one egret, one chameleon, two cardinals, and one raccoon.

It is 76 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature should reach the low nineties once again.

May 9, 2003

 The egret above was very cooperative and posed nicely for its picture.  One of those photos was destined for this space.  But then the egret slowly lifted off and glided over the pond. Noiseless and graceful, with just a soft whoosh of wings, the egret circled the water. It lit on a branch, then settled in to survey it's kingdom.  The phrase "poetry in motion" does not begin to describe it.

The cardinal outside the window is serenading passersby again.  He belts out "tunes" like Ethel Merman!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One deer, three egrets, one adult osprey and the head of a baby osprey peeking over its nest, one bobcat (Marsh Island Dr), and one raccoon.

It is 73 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature is supposed to be in the low nineties.

May 8, 2003

 There were more loud, gusty winds throughout the night on Kiawah. There was no real rain to speak of though.

The handsome cardinal sitting outside the window is singing at the top of his lungs.  He must be trying to impress his lady, because he has been at it for quite a while! Can you hear any birdsong where you are right now?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two deer (Kiawah Island Parkway) , a red-tailed hawk (Turtle Point golf course), a chameleon, a striped skink, a bright orange snake (path along Governor's Drive), and two raccoons.

It is 75 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature should reach the upper eighties again today, with a chance of thunderstorms...again.

May 7, 2003

 A whale of a storm passed through Kiawah last night - very loud and producing quite a light show as it went.  Kiawah was more fortunate than others in the area, as there was a tornado that touched down near Summerville.  Our only "casualties" are the leaves and spent palm fronds that now litter the ground - so much for those pristine green lawns!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two cormorants, one blue heron (Egret Pond), a lone red-tailed hawk (Turtle Point golf course), and one raccoon.

It is 73 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature should reach the upper eighties today, with a chance of more thunderstorms.

May 6, 2003

 It is a bit gray and dreary this morning. The humidity is very much in evidence - it will almost be a relief when it does begin to rain.  For now though, the ceiling fans get turned to high and the windows thrown open.  Few enough days remain before summer truly arrives and the air conditioner is a must!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One red-tailed hawk and more than a dozen baby alligators (Turtle Point golf course), dozens more red knots (east of the Beach Club), one bobcat (behind Marsh Island Drive), and one raccoon.

 It is 75 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties today, with a good chance of thunderstorms.

May 5, 2003

  The photo above was sent to us from Marilyn Blizard.  The "over water" flights of red knots have been known to be logged at over 2,000 miles!  These birds can be exhausted by the time they reach our shores, so please do not "spook" them in any way. For more on the red knots, visit the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy's site.

Turtle News: The very first loggerhead sea turtle nest of 2003 was found on our beach yesterday morning!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Five deer (Governor's Drive), one great blue heron, roughly 100 red knots (see photo above) just East of the Beach Club, and one raccoon.

It is 69 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature should reach the low eighties again today.

May 4, 2003

  Kildeer Pond and the Nature Trail in The Preserve are quite beautiful today.  If you have not ever visited there, take a little trip over and walk on the trails.  There are birds galore on Kildeer Pond, and you may even be fortunate enough to see a wild turkey or if you are VERY quiet, even a bobcat!  A marsh tower is tucked away in a little corner, and it has fabulous views of the marsh.  Are you adventurous enough to go find it?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Ten pelicans, two osprey (Egret Pond), four snowy white egrets, two skinks, and one raccoon.

 It is 70 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature is supposed to be in the low eighties today.

May 3, 2003

  A grand storm blew through Kiawah early this morning, around 1:00 a.m.  The winds howled and blustered, scattering leaves and blossoms in their wake. But we all awake this morning to another day in paradise - light breezes and sunshine - Life Is Good!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One baby alligator (on the Turtle Point driving range!), one osprey (Egret Pond), one tagged and collared deer (on Flyway Drive) several cormorants and one Anhinga (Willet Pond), and one raccoon.

   It is 63 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature should reach the mid-eighties again today.

May 2, 2003

  After yesterdays' gloom, today is a wonderful reward!  The sun in shining brightly - even the birds seem happy about it. The beachgoers today would probably agree with them!

The magnolia blossoms are ready to burst open to welcome the warmth of the May sunshine. There are even a few oleander blooms valiantly trying to open.  What May flowers do you have where you live?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One Great Blue Heron and  four snowy egrets (Ibis Pond), two alligators (Willet Pond), one osprey (across from Willet Pond), and one raccoon.

It is 66 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature is supposed to be in the mid-eighties today.

May 1, 2003

  Happy May Day! It is amazing to think that another month has passed already. And with all the April showers Kiawah received, we should be in for bushels of May flowers!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two magnificent Great Blue Herons, two snowy egrets, three alligators (Osprey Point golf course), one bobcat (crossing the Kiawah Island Parkway) and one raccoon.

It is 69 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning.  The high temperature should reach the mid-seventies today, with thunderstorms on the way.