Kiawah is gorgeous and sunny this morning. It is already somewhat warm outside, and there is a slight breeze kicking up the Spanish moss. Looks like a day to be outside soaking up the sun!

 A Recipe for Spring

Take half a dozen robins, some bluebirds, at least one gallant mockingbird to sing outside your door; a carpet of green velvet, with patterned flowers gay; the graceful fronds of willows that swing and dip and sway; some glowing green of maples, a bit of dogwood’s white, the purple-pink of redbud from dawn-time’s glowing light; the rippling of a brooklet, the splendor of the sky, the haunting scent of lilac, some fleecy clouds on high; a breeze to whisper softly in your ear, things that only you can hear.

And if you’ll stir them gently, and mold them in your heart, until the sight and sound of them is of yourself a part, you’ll have the sweetest springtime that ever you have known; though everyone may share it, it still will be your own.

- Farmers’ Almanac, Vol. 157 (1974)

Afternoon in The Preserve Amy Stockman is a frequent Kiawah visitor who likes to bike ride and run in The Preserve. 

Week-end Weather: It is 67 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. Our week-end looks to be marvelous! Highs in the low seventies Friday, lows in the mid-sixties. There is a 20% chance of rain Saturday, with a high near eighty.  Lows in the upper sixties. Sunday's high should be in the low eighties, the lows in the upper sixties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One corn snake, one five-lined skink, two male cardinals, one osprey, one American alligator, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 29, 2010

It is sunny and lovely on Kiawah this morning. We have another fabulous day headed our way! The sun is shining brightly and the birds are singing... LOUDLY! And they have been doing so since sunrise! Isn't it fascinating that our avian friends are just as affected by wonderful weather as we are? 

Weather: It is 62 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Are you ready for a fabulous spring day? Highs in the mid-seventies, lows in the upper fifties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One five-lined skink, one bluebird, one male cardinal, two osprey, two American alligators, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. 

Kiawah is bathed in sunshine this morning, and it is cool and wonderful outside. Today should be a fabulous day to get outside and play!

The next "blooming season" appears to be upon us here on Kiawah. The magnolias are starting to propel their blooms towards the sky. Soon there will be hundreds of delightful magnolia blossoms everywhere, their delicate scent wafting in the breeze.   

Weather: It is 57 degrees at 9:00 this morning. There is no chance of April showers today!  Highs in the low seventies, lows near fifty.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One black vulture, one five-lined skink, two male and one female cardinal, one osprey, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. 

April 27, 2010

It is sunny and cool on Kiawah this morning, with a light breeze blowing.  We approach the end of April with warm temperatures, gentle breezes, and plenty of pollen! Spring is in the air for sure!  

Weather: It is 65 degrees at 9:00 this morning. We have a slight chance of April showers today.  Highs in the mid-seventies, lows in the mid-fifties.  There is a 20% chance of rain during the day and evening.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One white-tailed deer, one male cardinal, one osprey, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 26, 2010

Kiawah is sunny and quite warm this morning. It is another lovely spring day! Last night it was very cool outside - excellent "sleeping weather". Did you have any difficulties getting up this morning?

The azaleas are beginning to lose their blossoms. All over the island you can see the spent blooms scattered on the ground, drifting slowly in the breeze.   

Weather: It is 70 degrees at 9:00 this morning. The island should be nice and sunny today, but we could see some clouds rolling in later this evening.  Highs in the low eighties today, lows in the mid-fifties. 

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count   Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: two white-tailed deer, several bottle-nosed dolphins, two male and one female cardinal, two osprey, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 23, 2010 Week-end Edition

It is simply fabulous on Kiawah this morning! It is nice and warm, and the island awaits the intrepid explorer! Here is a little known suggestion for the budding Columbus' out there: why not investigate the Kiawah Swamp Garden? 

The Kiawah Swamp Garden is located on Turtle Beach Lane (accessible by bicycle). It is a secluded wetland garden, where you can usually see many alligators and turtles, as well as several varieties of Kiawah's native plants. Can you locate it?

Angel Oak The Angel Oak is one of the "must see" things while visiting Kiawah.  Have you visited recently?

Week-end Weather: It is 64 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. That's ten degrees warmer than yesterday morning for those of you keeping track!  Highs Friday near eighty again, lows in the low sixties. The high should be near eighty on Saturday, with lows in the mid-sixties.  There is a 20% chance of showers Saturday evening.  Sunday's high is supposed to be in the upper seventies with a 40% chance of rain.  Lows in the low sixties Sunday night.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  Three white-tailed deer, a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins, one male cardinal, one osprey, three Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 22, 2010  Happy Earth Day!

Kiawah is sunny and beautiful this morning. Once again Mother Nature has graced Kiawah with a magnificent morning. Sun-dappled trees are draped across the paths, decorated with Spanish moss that floats along in gentle breezes.

Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.  Why not celebrate by getting outside to enjoy this fabulous weather?  

Astronomy 101: The Lyrids meteor shower is here!  It is a relatively small shower, with about 20 meteors per hour. Optimum viewing will be between 2 and 4 a.m. Find a place with a clear view of the sky and grab a chair or blanket.

Weather: It is 54 degrees at 9:00 this morning. It is perfect weather for Earth Day! Highs near eighty, lows in the upper fifties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One white-tailed deer, two American alligators, one male and one female cardinal, one osprey, several Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 21, 2010

It is partly cloudy on Kiawah this morning. We finally received some April showers last night, so the island is a wee bit damp this morning.  But just like Camelot, the rain didn't arrive until after nightfall, and is gone this morning!  Isn't that perfect? 

Weather: It is 62 degrees at 9:00 this morning. There is a slight chance of showers this morning - 20% - but none after that. Today's high should be in the mid-seventies, lows tonight in the mid-fifties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One marsh hawk, two white-tailed deer, one five-lined skink, one osprey, several Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 20, 2010

Kiawah is sunny and  cool this morning. For the moment everything is bright and shiny. Showers are headed our way, but for now the island is being pelted only by the rays of the sun. Will you be going outside to play in the sunshine today? 

Weather: It is 58 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Once more we have a slight chance of April showers, but not until this evening. Highs today in the low seventies, lows in the mid-fifties with a 60% chance of rain.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One marsh hawk, one anole, one five-lined skink, one osprey, two Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 19, 2010

It is a little cloudy on Kiawah this morning. The skies should clear by this afternoon though, and we can expect some terrific weather today - for the rest of the week for that matter!

The live oaks are finished dropping their leaves, so now they are sending their small "tags" our way. No more fallen leaves everywhere, now we are dusted with brown oak tags. Soon we will be looking back nostalgically on these cool spring days, and the memory of the oak leaves & tags won't seem so bad...

Weather: It is 56 degrees at 9:00 this morning. There is just a slight chance of April showers today. Highs in the low seventies today, lows in the low fifties.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count  Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: One marsh hawk, two black vultures, two anoles, three five-lined skinks, four red-winged blackbirds, two osprey, LOADS of American alligators, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 16, 2010 Week-end Edition

Kiawah is - no other word for it - MARVELOUS this morning!  The sun is shining, the birds are singing joyfully, and the breeze is soft and cool.  Can you believe the island is such heaven?

Biking on the beach anyone? Cheryl shares this photo of Kiawah's beach.  Perhaps it will put ideas into your head for something to do this week-end? 

Week-end Weather: It is 58 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. Hope you are all set for an incredible week-end! Highs Friday in the mid-seventies, lows near sixty.  Saturday's high should be near eighty, with lows in the mid-fifties. We should see a high in the low seventies on Sunday, with lows in the low fifties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One five-lined skink, one red-winged blackbird, one osprey, roughly a dozen American alligators, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 15, 2010

It is cool and sunny on Kiawah this morning.  Once again the April showers are no where in sight, and it looks like they won't be through the week-end either!  Is it wrong to be happy about that?

Tax Day! Today is the last day to pay your dues to Uncle Sam without penalty.  Here's hoping you aren't waiting in that LONG line at the post office at midnight tonight!

Weather: It is 59 degrees at 9:00 this morning. As Mr. Rogers would say, "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!" Highs in the low seventies, lows in the low fifties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two red-winged blackbirds, three osprey, three American alligators, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 14, 2010

Kiawah is sunny and warm this morning - another gorgeous day in paradise! The island is bathed in sunshine this morning, and it is already pleasant outside. Looks like a day to be outside soaking up the sun!

Did you know? Today is World Grits Day!  So eat your grits for breakfast, or shrimp & grits for dinner!

Weather: It is 63 degrees at 9:00 this morning. We have another amazing spring day on the way! Highs in the mid-seventies today, lows in the mid-fifties tonight.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One juvenile Black-crowned night heron, one red-winged blackbird, two osprey, one American alligator, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 13, 2010

It is sunny and warm on Kiawah this morning. What a fabulous, beautiful day! The air is warm, the sun is out, and Kiawah is paradise! Yesterday's fabulous weather had folks young and old playing outside. There were bikers and joggers, beachgoers and strollers...it was terrific to see so many people out enjoying activities. Were you able to get outside and play?

Weather: It is 60 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Sunny skies and warm breezes are on the horizon - springtime on Kiawah! Today's high should be in the low seventies, with tonight's lows in the upper fifties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count   One red-winged blackbird, one osprey, one American alligator, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 12, 2010

Kiawah is a little cloudy at present, but should be sunny by late morning. We should have another fabulous morning on Kiawah! The birds are singing... LOUDLY! And they have been doing so since sunrise! Isn't it fascinating that our avian friends are just as affected by wonderful weather as we are? 

Weather: It is 59 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Once the fog dissipates, sunny and clear should be the order of the day.  Highs in the low seventies today, with lows in the mid-fifties tonight.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count   Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: Two red-winged blackbirds, two osprey, two raccoons, about sixteen American alligators, two great blue herons, several Carolina wrens, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. 

April 9, 2010 Week-end Edition

It is sunny on Kiawah this morning, a welcome sight after last night's storm! Thankfully, we have another gorgeous day in paradise! Looks like a day to be outside soaking up the sun!  What are your plans for this wonderful day?  The week-end?  Whatever they are, here's hoping you enjoy your week-end!

Playing Through? Julie found this alligator near the Ocean Course club house.  What do you suppose the gator's handicap is? 

Week-end Weather: It is 61 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. Once more we have a fabulous spring day on the way.  Highs Friday in the low seventies.  Lows are supposed to be much cooler - the upper forties.  Saturday's high should be near seventy, with lows near fifty.  Last but not least, Sunday should bring us highs in the mid-seventies, and lows near fifty. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One red-winged blackbird, two osprey, three American alligators, two great blue herons, three Carolina wrens, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. 

April 8, 2010

Kiawah is mostly sunny this morning.  Clouds seem to be massing on the horizon though, as showers make their way towards us.  The chance of rain is mostly after midnight tonight though, so be sure to get outside and play today! 

Weather: It is 68 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Once more we have a fabulous spring day on the way.  Highs in the upper seventies today.  Tonight's low should be in the upper fifties, with an 80% chance of showers.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One red-winged blackbird, one blue jay, one osprey, two American alligators, one great blue heron, several Carolina chickadees, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 7, 2010

It sunny and breezy on Kiawah this morning. It looks like we have another fabulous day on the island today! Perhaps you will spend it outside lounging about like the anhinga in today's photo?  Or maybe you will ride your bike or walk the paths.  Whatever you choose to do, enjoy! 

Weather: It is 70 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Can you believe this amazing weather? Highs today near eighty again, lows in the mid-sixties. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One five-lined skink, one black vulture, one osprey, one American alligator, one great blue heron, several Carolina chickadees, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 6, 2010

Kiawah is sunny and gorgeous this morning. It is even warmer than yesterday, so expect LOTS of folks to be out and about. When you look around you can tell it is spring break - there were many people on the beach and the paths yesterday. Kiawah is starting to get busy again, at least for a little while.

Spring is fully in gear, and so are everyone's allergies! Today's pollens are oak, birch, cedar and juniper. The "allergy alert" says that pollen is in the high range today, or 10.8 on a scale from 1 to 12. Better keep those tissues handy! 

Weather: It is 69 degrees at 9:00 this morning. It is another fabulous day on Kiawah! Highs near eighty once again, lows in the low sixties. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  Three black vultures, one osprey, two American alligators, one great blue heron, several Carolina chickadees, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. 

April 5, 2010

It is sunny and warm on Kiawah this morning. The island is once again bathed in wonderful sunlight, with a cool breeze wafting through the trees. The birds are singing like mad - guess they are excited about the sunshine too!  

Weather: It is 65 degrees at 9:00 this morning. We begin the week with a fabulous day! Highs near eighty, lows in the upper fifties.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count  Spotted at various times & places around the island during the week-end: Three osprey, five anhinga, three American alligators, several brown pelicans, several Carolina wrens, three great blue herons, several Carolina chickadees, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 2, 2010 Week-end Edition

Kiawah is quite warm and sunny this morning. Spring has definitely sprung! The azalea buds are beginning to peep through their foliage and those darn live oaks look nearly finished dropping their leaves - thank goodness! Soon everyone will be raking the last of those leaves, putting down fresh mulch, and flowers will be everywhere. Has spring arrived at your  place? 

Found Cat... This gray and white was lost and hanging around the cul du sac end of Salt Meadow Cove this past week. One of the wonderful Salt Meadow residents has adopted it. THANKS everyone!

Spring Arts Fest: Friday is the final day of the Spring Arts Fest.  It is being held at the Sandcastle from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   

Anhinga Jay found this anhinga at pond 28, near Salt Meadow Cove. Apparently the neighbors have nicknamed it Alex the Anhinga. 

Week-end Weather: It is 59 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. This should be the best spring week-end yet! Highs Friday near eighty, lows in the mid-fifties.  Saturday should bring a high in the mid-seventies and lows in the mid-fifties.  Sunday's weather should be a repeat of Saturday: highs in the mid-seventies and lows in the mid-fifties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One osprey, one anhinga, three American alligators, several Carolina wrens, one great blue heron, several Carolina chickadees, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

April 1, 2010

It is sunny, warm, and delightful on Kiawah this morning. Even the birds seem to be celebrating this morning, singing happily at the top of their wee little lungs. 

Can you help? Once again a cat has been found on the island. This gray and white has been hanging around the cul du sac end of Salt Meadow Cove for most of a week.  If you know who the owner is, please contact the webmaster.  THANKS!

Spring Arts Fest: The Spring Arts Fest is today and tomorrow at the Sandcastle from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   

Weather: It is 51 degrees at 8:30 this morning. Warm spring weather should be here for a couple of days! Highs today in the low seventies, lows in the mid-fifties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two osprey, one anole, one American alligator, several Carolina wrens, two great blue herons, several Carolina chickadees, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.