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This Archive section stores past Welcome to Kiawah Island messages from October 2003, in order by date, with the most recent date at the top. | ||
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October 31, 2003
Did you know? "Soul food" has been at the heart of the mischief and merriment made on Halloween night for hundreds of years. We're not talking about ham hocks and collard greens either! The treats offered on October 31st can be traced to the ancient Celtic celebration of Samhain, a major pagan holiday that marked the start of the new year on their calendar. The November 1st festival was a time to gather the harvest and prepare for winter, but also when the souls of the dead returned to the earthly world - or so the Celts believed. To keep the ghosts at bay, the Celts would place offerings of food and drink outside their homes. Halloween is here! Do you have bats in your belfry? If so, you may want to read the article on bats at the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy's web site. Click here to read it. Learn how many species of bats are present on Kiawah, and so much more!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, two bucks, three deer, three anhingas, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 55 degrees at 8:00 a.m. this morning. Today the temperature should reach the upper seventies once again. October 30, 2003 It is another beautiful morning on Kiawah. The sun is shining, the birds are singing joyfully, and there is a slight cool breeze wafting through the trees. The sky is an incredible azure blue, with just a few clouds sprinkled across the horizon. Hard to believe that it is October, isn't it?
Halloween is coming - do you have bats in your belfry? If so, you may want to read the article on bats at the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy's web site. Click here to read it. Learn how many species of bats are present on Kiawah, and so much more!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, one pond turtle crossing the Kiawah Island Parkway (spared by considerate drivers!), three great blue herons, four snowy egrets, one warbler, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 66 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning. The temperature today should be in the upper seventies. October 29, 2003 After a nearly constant stream of showers during the last twenty-four hours, this morning dawned sunny and cool. There are few clouds in the sky, and the weather looks to be marvelous today. Not a bad day for the end of October!
Halloween is coming - do you have bats in your belfry? If so, you may want to read the article on bats at the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy's web site. Click here to read it. Learn how many species of bats are present on Kiawah, and so much more!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, two anhingas, one buck, a dozen pelicans, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 61 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning. Today the temperature is supposed to be in the mid-seventies. October 28, 2003 This morning it is drizzly and overcast on Kiawah. It is also a bit cooler than it was over the week-end, as the rain showers brought us some moist air. Looks like a day to stay inside and read a good book. Are you reading a good book now?
This Kiawah Island community web site has crossed the 20,000 visitor mark. Thank you to everyone who has visited and helped us reach that milestone!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Four anhingas, six snowy egrets, three deer, one anole, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 68 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning. The temperature should be in the low seventies once again, with an 80% chance of showers. October 27, 2003 It is cloudy and overcast this morning on Kiawah. It is already very warm outside, with a bit of humidity thrown in for good measure. Quite a bit different from the cool weather we have been enjoying lately!
The photo above was provided by Bob Struble. Bob was on Kiawah recently and was fortunate enough to happen by as the very last loggerhead turtle nest was being evaluated by the Kiawah Island Turtle Patrol. So this is our last loggerhead of the year! Thanks for sharing your picture with us Bob!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Five great blue herons, one alligator, two anhingas, three snowy egrets, one black vulture, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 70 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. Today the temperature is supposed to be in the low seventies with a 30% chance of rain. October 26, 2003 It is an outstanding morning on Kiawah this morning! It is much warmer than it has been of late - but probably only for a short while. Showers are on the way late this evening, and will no doubt cool things off a bit. All in all, it should be a terrific day for getting outside to play!
Dragonflies abound on the island these days, flittering here and there and everywhere. There also seems to be a fair amount of bicyclists on the paths this week-end. What or who have you seen out and about this week-end?
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, five deer, two great blue herons, one alligator, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 70 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning. The temperature should be in the high seventies. There is a 20% chance of rain today, increasing to 60% after midnight tonight. October 25, 2003 Back to the cooler mornings again this morning. The birds are certainly enjoying it though, at least if their songs are any indication! There is quite a racket outside this morning. Maybe they are also happy about "falling back" tonight? Who wouldn't be excited about an extra hours' sleep?
Thursday afternoon saw Norm Shea of the KICA Lakes Department presenting a Landscape seminar to thirty people who attended. The session was about Kiawah's lakes and ponds, how they are managed, and how to prevent erosion. Norm provided tons of information and answered specific questions afterwards. Thanks to Norm for sharing his wealth of knowledge!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, two bucks, six pelicans, one anole, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 54 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning, with the temperature headed for the mid-seventies. There is a 20% chance of rain. October 24, 2003 It is not quite as cool this morning as it has been the past few days, but still a tad nippy.
Are you a butterfly fan? If so, now is a good time to make sure you have the best perennials ready to bloom this spring. If you want your butterfly garden to be alive with fluttering wings next year, dividing established perennials during autumn months is the easiest and quickest way to make them healthier. For more information on your butterfly garden, you can check the Butterfly Gardening Page.
Did you know? Butterflies taste with their feet!!! Via tiny receptors, a butterfly lands on a plant and tastes to see if it is the right kind of plant to lay its eggs on! What a relief that WE don't taste that way! J
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, ten wood storks, dozens of butterflies, four female painted buntings, one buck, a doe and her fawn, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 58 degrees at 8:00 a.m. this morning, reaching close to seventy today. October 23, 2003 Yikes is it cool this morning! Perhaps our Northern cousins would not think so, but 54 degrees is chilly for this time of year on Kiawah. Anyone who left the windows open last night for the great sleeping weather, probably woke up burrowed under the covers. But it is lovely and sunny this morning - Kiawah is treating us to her best once again.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle dancing in the sky for its mate on the nest edge, five snowy egrets, two great blue herons, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 54 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning. Today the temperature is supposed to be in the low seventies. October 22, 2003 It is another magnificent morning on the island. It is a tad warmer than it has been on recent mornings, with dew glistening on the leaves and grass. The birds are twittering noisily and squirrels are playing tag up and down the oak trees. What do you see outside your window this morning?
The photo above was submitted by Bill Blizard. Bill captured some intrepid kayakers during the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy's Fall Weekend. KINHC offered two kayaking trips during the week-end, and the "paddlers" thoroughly enjoyed them both!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, three snowy egrets, two great blue herons, and one mama raccoon with her baby. Have you seen critters? E-mail the webmaster to add yours to this list! It is 63 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning. The temperature today should once again reach eighty. October 21, 2003 Kiawah is cool and breezy this morning. The weather should be perfect for outside activities though, as it will be at least 80 degrees today. How will you spend today? On the beach? On a bike? Perhaps go for a walk? Whatever you choose, enjoy!
Folks who attended the PGA Celebrity Competition yesterday were treated to a marvelous day and some terrific golf. Monday's tournament was actually at Cassique, and the course was beautiful.
Celebrate National Wolf Awareness Week! October 19th to 26th marks National Wolf Awareness Week. This week is an important vehicle for dispelling misconceptions and educating the public about the role predators play in maintaining biological diversity. Click here to learn more about how you can celebrate wolves or plan educational activities in our area.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, one raccoon climbing face first down a tree, one red-headed woodpecker, and one mama raccoon with her baby. If you have seen critters, e-mail the webmaster to add yours to this list! It is 57 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. Today the temperature is supposed to be in the low eighties. October 20, 2003 It is another cool morning on Kiawah. The sun is a dazzling yellow orb amongst a few lazy clouds overhead. It certainly looks to be another fabulous day on the island. How will you spend your day today? If you are looking for something to do, the PGA Celebrity Competition is being held today at Turtle Point Golf Course.
Today is Hurricane Thanksgiving Day in the Virgin Islands! It celebrates the end of the hurricane season. The Post & Courier suggests that "their prayer of thanksgiving goes more like this: Thank you, Lord, for not letting a hurricane come down upon my poor head this year! Thank you for keeping my flip-flops dry and my house out of the ocean!" Maybe Kiawah should think about adding this holiday to our calendar! J
Celebrate National Wolf Awareness Week! October 19th to 26th marks National Wolf Awareness Week. This week is an important vehicle for dispelling misconceptions and educating the public about the role predators play in maintaining biological diversity. Click here to learn more about how you can celebrate wolves or plan educational activities in our area.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two bald eagles, dozens of snowy egrets, two deer, a young buck, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 61 degrees at 9:15 a.m. this morning. The temperature today should reach the mid-seventies again. October 19, 2003 It is delightfully chilly on Kiawah this morning. Just the sort of morning that makes you want to snuggle back under the covers with some hot chocolate. But if you are more adventurous, why not check out the golf or tennis tournaments currently taking place?
The MUSC golf tournament is well underway now. There has been lots of celebrity sightings around the island and nearby restaurants. Tomorrow is the PGA Celebrity Competition at Turtle Point Golf Course, with celebrities such as Dan Marino and John Elway participating in the tournament. If you didn't know, all proceeds from the Kiawah Pro-Celebrity Challenge benefit research and education at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Children's Hospital. Child Magazine has recognized MUSC Children's Hospital as the 11th best children's hospital in the Country!
The Junior Clay Court Championchips are also being held this week-end. Please contact the resort at 768-2121 for details.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, a doe with her fawn, one blue jay, two cardinals, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 57 degrees at 9:15 a.m. this morning. Today the temperature is supposed to be in the mid-seventies once again. October 18, 2003 We received some light showers last night, but they seem to have stopped. Now the sky is mostly gray, but the weather channel says the clouds should clear by midday.
The egret in the photo above was out at Ibis Pond late yesterday afternoon. It stood on the top of the rail for a very long time, slowly looking this way and that. It certainly seemed that the egret was surveying a kingdom - and Ibis Pond certainly qualifies! J The fish were jumping and there were few other creatures present. Or perhaps the egret was scouting dinner?
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, three snowy egrets, six great blue herons (yes SIX!), one anole, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 61 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning. The temperature should be in the mid-seventies once again. October 17, 2003 So much for 50% chance of rain today! This morning it is a bit overcast, but otherwise is a "typical" beautiful Kiawah day.
Remember that today is the Homecoming Parade for St. Johns High School. So if you are out and about around 4:00 p.m. this afternoon, you may wish to take a different route home. The parade route runs from Haut Gap Middle School down Main Road to St. John's High. It is expected to take an hour from start to finish, so there will most likely be a great deal of traffic along Bohicket and Main roads.
You may remember the photo above from a few weeks ago. This moth was spotted on Kiawah, but questions and searching produced no answer as to what KIND of moth it is. Enter the web site of John Himmelman! The internet is a terrific resource for finding information, and John's site is an excellent example! It contains a wealth of information about moths. And he was extremely helpful in assisting with the identification of the little fellow in the photo above. Thanks John!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, three deer, one small gray-patterned snake, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 63 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning. Today the temperature is supposed to reach the mid-seventies, with a 30% chance of rain. October 16, 2003 Another little bit of arctic chill is present this morning. But despite the cool temperature, the morning is crisp, clear, and sunny. Not a bad day to get outside and play!
You may remember today's photo from a few weeks ago. This moth was spotted on Kiawah, yet tons of questions and searching produced no answer as to what KIND of moth it is. Enter the web site of John Himmelman! The internet is a terrific resource for finding information, and John's site is an excellent example! It contains a wealth of information about moths. And he was extremely helpful in assisting with the identification of the little fellow in the photo above. Thanks John!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, roughly one dozen snowy egrets, two great blue herons, one anole, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 56 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning. The temperature should be in the lower seventies today. It looks like we have a front of showers headed our way for tomorrow, so be sure to get your outside things done today! October 15, 2003 Brrrrrr! Mother Nature has dipped us in ice water this morning. It is very chilly outside, with a slight breeze. There is a very definite fall feeling in the air. Yesterday was hot and humid, and now this! Still, it will be another stellar day on Kiawah, with plenty of sunshine to accompany you on your walk, or bike ride, or whatever you choose to do!
Couldn't resist posting the above photo of one of our web site visitors! Ken Loderick recently visited Kiawah, and "found" the local Krispy Kreme store! Guess Needham, MA doesn't have great doughnuts like we do! J Thanks for sharing Ken!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, four snowy egrets, three great blue herons, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 54 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. Today the temperature is supposed to reach the mid-seventies. October 14, 2003 It is quite a bit warmer this morning than it has been for the past few weeks. Coupled with the incoming showers, it has created a very humid morning.
Couldn't resist posting the above photo of one of our web site visitors! Ken Loderick recently visited Kiawah, and "found" the local Krispy Kreme store! Guess Needham, MA doesn't have great doughnuts like we do! J Thanks for sharing Ken!
Yesterday evening there was an accident on the Kiawah Island Parkway at the intersection of Sea Forest Drive by Night Heron Park. Traffic was backed up for nearly half an hour while the scene was cleared. A BMW involved in the accident had its entire passenger side caved in - it looked like the car was a total loss. The curves and critters of Kiawah can make driving a challenge - so PLEASE be careful driving out there!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One osprey, two snowy egrets, one great blue heron, one anole, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 72 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning. The temperature today should reach the upper seventies once again, with a 50% chance of showers. October 13, 2003 Looks like another fabulous day on Kiawah! It should be mostly sunny today, a perfect day for being outside and enjoying this cool weather.
This is the start of National Wildlife Refuge System Week. It is designed to highlight the wealth of natural resources conserved on the nearly 100 million acres that make up the National Wildlife Refuge System. It is the world's only public lands system dedicated to wildlife and conserving wildlife habitat. Click here for more information. We have 8 refuges here in South Carolina - perhaps you will join in the celebration by visiting one?
Don't forget that Dr. Book is offering free flu shots today! Contact his office at 768-0888 for details.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, three snowy egrets, one great blue heron, one anole, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 57 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning. Today the temperature is supposed to be in the upper seventies. October 12, 2003 It is much nicer this morning than the past few days. The sun is actually peeping through the clouds! Although it is supposed to be cloudy today, it is not supposed to rain. So today should be a terrific day to enjoy the pleasant cool weather. Perhaps you will bicycle on the paths today or take a walk on the beach?
Today is your last chance to participate in the Conservancy's Keeping Kiawah Unique in America: Come Celebrate Success”. Click here to see the scheduled events.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, two deer, one osprey, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 66 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning. The temperature should once again reach the mid-seventies today. October 11, 2003 Kiawah is receiving a little reminder that it is October now, not summer. The sky is gray and foreboding...it certainly looks like more than the 30% chance of rain predicted for today. Hopefully folks participating in the Conservancy's 7:45 a.m. Bird Walk took rain gear!
There are a myriad of events available today and tomorrow as part of the Conservancy's Keeping Kiawah Unique in America: Come Celebrate Success”. Click here to see the scheduled events.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, four deer, two ospreys, one black snake, two great blue herons, one snowy egret, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 66 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning. Today the temperature is supposed to be in the mid-seventies once again. There is a 30% chance of showers. October 10, 2003 After a bit of rain the last few days, today looks promising. The sky is a tad overcast, but the sun is peeping through. Hopefully the rain will hold off for the Conservancy's barbeque this evening!
Just in case you have forgotten, this week-end is the Conservancy's Keeping Kiawah Unique in America: Come Celebrate Success”. Click here to see the scheduled events.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, one broad-headed skink, two anoles, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 64 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning. The temperature should reach the mid-seventies today. There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms beginning this afternoon, increasing to 40% this evening. October 9, 2003 More sprinkles for our island this morning... Yesterday was supposed to be full of rain too, but we only received a few brief, light showers. Here's hoping that today will be the same!
Have you noticed all the busy squirrels lately? We seem to have a bumper crop of acorns this year, and the squirrels are industriously running to and fro, stashing acorns for cooler weather.
This week-end is the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy's Keeping Kiawah Unique in America: Come Celebrate Success”. This is the Conservancy's third Fall Weekend, and promises to be great fun for everyone. Click here to see the scheduled events.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, one osprey carrying lunch, dozens of snowy egrets, and one mama raccoon with her baby. It is 66 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning. Today the temperature is supposed to be in the upper seventies with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. October 8, 2003 Rain, rain, go away, come again another day... It is still lightly sprinkling on Kiawah this morning. Guess we cannot complain though, since we have had weeks of fabulous weather! What did you do outside so far this fall?
This week-end is the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy's Keeping Kiawah Unique in America: Come Celebrate Success”. This is the Conservancy's third Fall Weekend, and promises to be great fun for everyone. Click here to see the scheduled events.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, one ruby-throated hummingbird, three great blue herons, one anole, and one mama raccoon with a baby. It is 66 degrees at 8:45 a.m. this morning. The temperature should reach the mid-seventies again today, this time with a 60% chance of rain. October 7, 2003 We did receive a bit of rain last night, and it is currently misting just a bit. The sky is gray and cloudy, but the temperature is nice and cool. If you don't mind a little rain, it would be perfect walking weather! When was the last time that you took a walk in the rain?
This week-end is the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy's Keeping Kiawah Unique in America: Come Celebrate Success”. This is the Conservancy's third Fall Weekend, and promises to be great fun for everyone. Click here to see the scheduled events.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two bald eagles, two red-bellied woodpeckers, three cardinals, four dolphins, and one mama raccoon with a baby. It is 66 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning. The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-seventies today, with a 70% chance of rain. October 6, 2003 Looks like some rain is headed our way today. The sky is a bit overcast this morning. If the birdsong outside is any indication, our "Kiawah Critters" do not mind the possibility of showers. They are quite loud this morning!
The photo above shows bloodflowers. They are attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds. Monarch and Queen butterflies lay eggs on this plant. So if you see any bloodflowers in your yard, be sure to check for butterflies!
This week-end is the Kiawah Island Natural Habitat Conservancy's Keeping Kiawah Unique in America: Come Celebrate Success”. This is the Conservancy's third Fall Weekend, and promises to be great fun for everyone. Click here to see the scheduled events.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: One bald eagle, two red-bellied woodpeckers, one ladderback woodpecker, two cardinals, on e blue jay, one chickadee, two Carolina wrens, and one mama raccoon with a baby. It is 63 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. Today the temperature should reach the upper seventies. There is a 20% chance of rain beginning late this afternoon, increasing to 60% by tonight. October 5, 2003 It is another FABULOUS day on Kiawah! Has the weather ever been more perfect than it has been this past week? And today is once again sunny and beautiful. What a wonderful day to enjoy Sunday in the Park!
Sunday in the Park features the following:
The bike path on Governor's Drive between Bufflehead and Osprey Point golf course was paved Friday. Why not enjoy the fresh pavement and go for a bike ride or take a nice stroll.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Eight pelicans, one mama alligator with two babies, one bald eagle, and one mama raccoon with a baby. It is 66 degrees at 9:15 a.m. this morning. The temperature is supposed to reach eighty today. October 4, 2003 It was pretty chilly again last night, but terrific sleeping weather... This morning the hibiscus on the front porch looks a little frostbitten - not likely, but perhaps it will perk up in this lovely sunshine.
The bike path on Governor's Drive between Bufflehead and Osprey Point golf course was paved yesterday. It is "ready for prime time"! So get out those bicycles and go take a look.
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Ten snowy egrets, three alligators, one mama alligator with two babies, one ruby-throated hummingbird, and one mama raccoon with a baby. It is 54 degrees at 8:15 a.m. this morning. The temperature should be in the eighties today. October 3, 2003 Brrrrrr! It was downright cold last night! But anyone who ventured outside late last night was treated to an incredible moon. First it was a lemon slice, hanging upside down low in the sky. Next it appeared to morph itself into an orange slice. But near midnight, the moon was a deep shade of red. Driving over the marsh bridge onto the island it seemed to float just above the edge of the water. Did you see the moon?
The bike path on Governor's Drive between Bufflehead and Osprey Point golf course is a bit torn up right now. Looks like it will be paved soon. Get ready with your rollerblades!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Two bucks munching near the Kiawah Island Parkway, one raccoon, one ruby-throated hummingbird, and one bald eagle. It is 54 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning. The temperature is supposed to reach the mid-seventies today. October 2, 2003 It is cooler this morning than it has been recently - yes cooler! As usual, Kiawah is showing her best to us.
There are butterflies everywhere - and blossoms too! The bloodflowers are blooming now, as well as goldenrod and sea mallow. Everywhere you look, Mother Nature is parading glorious colors across the landscape.
If you are interested in Kiawah's native plants, don't forget to check out Landscaping for the Legacy on the Kiawah Natural Habitat Conservancy's web site. This is a wonderful booklet that provides loads of information about native plants for Kiawah Island.
Don't forget - The Red Cross Blood Drive at Town Hall today!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Three alligator babies with mom close by (#11 at Turtle Point), a dozen snowy egrets, three cardinals, one extremely vociferous blue jay, and one mama raccoon with a baby. If you have seen critters, e-mail the webmaster to add yours to this list! It is 57 degrees at 8:30 a.m. this morning. The temperature should be in the low seventies today. October 1, 2003 Has fall arrived? It certainly seems so. It is a clear brisk morning on Kiawah this morning.
The photo above was submitted by Joe Zambito of Glossy Ibis Lane. Take a look at the texture in the clouds hanging over the beach. Joe did a terrific job of capturing one of the amazing sunsets we have been experiencing since the weather has gotten cooler recently. Thanks for sharing Joe!
If you have photos you would like to share, please click here to send them to the webmaster. Please "size" your photos to 300 pixels wide by 200 pixels high before submitting. And include your name so we can provide proper credit!
Today's Kiawah Critter Count: Fifteen alligator babies with mom close by (#11 at Turtle Point), five snowy egrets, and one mama raccoon with two babies. If you have seen critters, e-mail the webmaster to add yours to this list! It is 61 degrees at 9:00 a.m. this morning. The temperature should be in the mid-seventies again today.
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