It is lovely and sunny on Kiawah this morning, and a bit warmer to boot! It does appear that rain is on the way though, so better get outside to play today.  Don't put it off until tomorrow or it looks like you will have a soggy playtime.

Howl at the moon... Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages, giving us the name for January's full Moon. It was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon, but most tribes applied that name to the next Moon.

Full Moon over Kiawah's Beach David shares this photo of the full moon that he took back in November.  This week-end is the Full Wolf Moon, so it is appropriate! 

Week-end Weather: It is 47 degrees at 9:05 Friday morning. Somehow we got our "lost" 10 degrees back! Yea! Highs Friday in the mid-fifties with a 20%  chance of showers.  Lows in the low forties with nearly a 100% chance.  Highs near fifty Saturday, still with an almost 100% chance of rain.  The chance drops to 20% Saturday night, with temperatures near the freezing mark.  No showers are currently predicted for Sunday, just a high in the upper forties, and lows near thirty.  ** Plant watch - cover those delicate plants **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One great blue heron, three Carolina wrens, one double-crested cormorants, one yellow-rumped warbler, one male white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. 

Kiawah is sunny this morning, with still colder weather than yesterday morning. We sneak towards the end of January with one last fairly warm day before winter rears its head once more.  If you like getting outside, today should be a terrific chance to do so. What a nice day for January!

Weather: It is 38 degrees at 9:00 this morning. We "lost" yet another 10 degrees - what? Highs near sixty, lows in the low forties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One great blue heron, one Carolina wren, two double-crested cormorants, one yellow-rumped warbler, two male white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

January 27, 2010

We have sunshine on Kiawah again this morning, and once again it is cold outside!  Somehow during the night we "lost" another 15 degrees - just since yesterday morning.  <sigh> Guess we are still in the midst of winter after all.  Rats! 

Weather: It is 48 degrees at 9:00 this morning. It is going to warm up for this afternoon, thank goodness! Highs today in the mid-fifties, lows in the upper thirties tonight.  ** Plant watch - cover those delicate plants **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One great blue heron, two Carolina wrens, three double-crested cormorants, one male white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. 

January 26, 2010

Kiawah is lovely and sunny this morning, and... bet you thought it would say warm! It isn't exactly cold outside, but don't run out the door without at least a sweater, or you could be sorry! 

 Don't Forget: The Auction to benefit Our Lady of Mercy Community Outreach on Johns Island will be held on Sunday January 31, 2010.  Please click here for more information. 

Weather: It is 48 degrees at 9:00 this morning. That is just a wee bit chillier than yesterday morning! Today's high should be near sixty, lows in the mid-thirties.  ** Plant watch - cover those delicate plants **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  Two great blue herons, two double-crested cormorants, three male white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

January 25, 2010

It is overcast on Kiawah this morning. There are tiny pools of water all over the island, as the high winds and rain we received last night have not yet soaked into the soil. Despite the warm weather, it doesn't seem like today will be much of a "go outside & play day", does it?

Weather: It is 54 degrees at 9:00 this morning. There is a high surf advisory for today, but somehow it seems doubtful that many folks will be out on or in the water! Highs today near seventy with a 50% chance of rain. Lows in the low forties tonight.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count  Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: One very LARGE American alligator, three great blue herons, five double-crested cormorants, five male and two female white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

January 22, 2010 Week-end Edition

Kiawah is mostly cloudy this morning. No rain is predicted, so you should be able to grab a coat and head outdoors if that is your preference.  If you are looking for an indoor activity, this week-end the Sandcastle is hosting an exhibition from the University of South Carolina's Rare Books and Special Collections. titled "Southern Naturalists: Audubon in Context".  There is an accompanying lecture this afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at the Sandcastle.

There were river flood warnings for the area yesterday. However, except for many roadside puddles, Kiawah had no problems. The rain was quite heavy until late afternoon, and many yards were saturated with water. 

The fountain at The Sanctuary Jack took this photo a couple of weeks ago during our cold spell.  Isn't it supposed to be warm here on Kiawah?  This photo certainly brings home the fact that we have winter too, doesn't it?

Week-end Weather: It is 46 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. The weekend predictions have Kiawah back to our average January temperatures.  Highs Friday  should be in the low fifties, lows near forty. Saturday's high is supposed to be in the mid-fifties. Expect lows in the low fifties with a 20% chance of showers Saturday night.  Low sixties should be the order of the day Sunday, with a 50% chance of rain.  Lows in the mid-fifties Sunday night with a 70% chance of rain.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One belted kingfisher, one great blue heron, one double-crested cormorant, two male and two female white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive

January 21, 2010

It is overcast and raining lightly on Kiawah this morning. The showers are slow and steady. It certainly seems like a day to stay in bed with a good book!

Yesterday was beautiful on our little barrier island, no doubt about it. The sun was out all day and the temperature was t-shirt warm. Did it make you think that spring was just around the corner?  Alas, we still have plenty of winter left, but sooner than we think, spring will be here!

Weather: Once again it is 53 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Unfortunately the showers won't allow us to enjoy the warmth for much of the day.  Today's high should be in the low sixties, with nearly a 100% chance of showers. Lows near fifty tonight with a 50% chance.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  Roughly a dozen male and female "hoodies" (hooded mergansers), three double-crested cormorants, one male white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

January 20, 2010

Kiawah is mostly sunny this morning, though clouds are supposed to roll in later this afternoon. It certainly seems that we will receive another small reprieve from the winter weather - we should see sixty today! Lots of folks will be out and about enjoying the weather. The golf courses and tennis courts will be burgeoning with players. There is only a slight chance of rain later this evening, but a 90% chance tomorrow.  Perhaps we should all get our outdoor time in today, just in case?

Weather: It is 49 degrees at 9:05 this morning. Still not the 53 degrees we had Monday, but at least it is a bit warmer.  Highs in the lower sixties today. Lows tonight in the low fifties with a 20% chance of showers.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  Three brown pelicans, five hooded mergansers, one double-crested cormorant, two male white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

January 19, 2010

It is another clear morning on Kiawah this morning.  Early this morning the sky was beautiful - there were a variety of pinks and pale oranges draped across the horizon. Kiawah is fortunate to have some of the most wonderful sunrises and sunsets...have you treated yourself to one lately?

Weather: It is 45 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Does anyone wonder where 53 went?  Highs today in the mid-sixties, lows in the mid-forties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Eight brown pelicans on a lagoon, two double-crested cormorants, one raccoon , one male white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. 

January 18, 2010

Kiawah is clear and fairly warm this morning.  Who can complain about that weather for January?  It should be another lovely day on Kiawah! It is warmer than normal for this time of year, and we are on our way to a wonderful day!  What will you do to get outside and play today?

Today is Martin Luther King Day.  This is one of only four federal holidays commemorating an individual.  It was observed for the first time on January 20, 1986.

Weather: It is a balmy 53 degrees at 9:15 this morning. Is it fair to say that everyone likes 53 better than last week's twenties in the mornings?  Highs today in the mid-sixties, lows in the low forties.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count  Spotted around Kiawah during the week-end at various times & places during the week-end: Several American robins, eight brown pelicans on a lagoon, four double-crested cormorants, three raccoons , three male and two female white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

January 15, 2010 Week-end Edition

We start out our week-end with sunshine and warmer temperatures.  Let's hear it for Mother Nature for sending it to us!  The week-end is shaping up to be roughly 20 degrees warmer than the recent past, though we may see showers too.  What will you be doing this week-end?  Playing outside in the warmth?  Watching the NFL play-offs?  Whatever you chose, here's hoping you have a fabulous week-end!

Soaking wet... Sue says "I took these of a very wet hawk that perched on our back deck one day after a real downpour. The bird was too wet to fly, probably spent twenty minutes trying to get airborne."

Week-end weather: It is a balmy 40 degrees at 9:05 Friday morning. That is quite a change from 28 isn't it? Highs Friday near sixty, lows in the mid-forties. Saturday's high should be in the low sixties with a 50% chance of rain.  Lows Saturday night in the mid-fifties with a 90% chance.  Last but not least, Sunday is supposed to have a high in the mid-sixties with a 70% chance of showers.  Lows in the low forties Sunday night.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  Several American robins, half a dozen brown pelicans, two double-crested cormorants, two male white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

January 14, 2010

Kiawah is covered in sunshine this morning, and once again it looks deceptively warm... But don't believe the evidence of your eyes, be sure to bundle up before you head outside this morning!  Thankfully the temperature is supposed to be almost sixty today, so later today should be terrific!

Weather: It is 27 degrees at 9:00 this morning. YIKES!  Why does it keep getting colder in the mornings when it is supposed to warm UP this week-end? Highs today in the upper fifties, lows near forty.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  Several American robins, three brown pelicans, one double-crested cormorant, two male and one female white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

January 13, 2010

It is once again sunny on Kiawah this morning, and once again not particularly warm. Today should be a  nice day, with sunshine and fifty degree temperatures.  If you bundle up you might be able to get in a nice bike ride.  But then again, maybe you are a burrower when it is cold outside?  Either way, have a pleasant day!

Weather: It is 29 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Today should be just a tiny bit warmer than yesterday. Highs in the low fifties, lows in the mid- thirties.  ** Plant watch - cover those delicate plants **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One great blue heron, several American robins, six brown pelicans, two double-crested cormorants, one male white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. 

January 12, 2010

Kiawah is sunny again this morning, but not particularly warm - well, at least by Kiawah standards it is not. Some of our non-resident Kiawah property owners are in the midst of a real cold spell - below zero in some cases! So to all of our Northern cousins, we are thinking of you! Stay warm...

Weather: It is 34 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Looks like we will see a repeat of yesterday's weather today. Highs near fifty, lows in the low thirties.  ** Plant watch - cover those delicate plants **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One great blue heron, several brown pelicans, three double-crested cormorants, one male and two female white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

January 11, 2010

It is sunny on Kiawah this morning.  It looks like it will be another gorgeous day on the island. But it is C-O-L-D! It is a chilly 26 degrees this morning - better drag out the sweaters and coats. The temperature is supposed to be near fifty today, so relief is on the way.

Weather: It is 26 degrees at 9:15 this morning. Today is forecast to be much warmer than yesterday - let's hear a cheer for that!  Highs today near fifty, lows in the mid-thirties.  ** Plant watch - cover those delicate plants **

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count  Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: Four great blue herons, one marsh hawk, several brown pelicans, one black vulture, two turkey vultures, five double-crested cormorants, three male and four female white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. 

January 8, 2010 Week-end Edition

Kiawah is overcast and a bit damp this morning. It is significantly warmer than recent mornings, with an 11 degree increase since yesterday.  YEA!  Warmer is better, certainly!

Surveying the kingdom? Jane says she took this photo near Osprey Point golf course. The eagle is sitting beside what once was the osprey nest, that became the owl's nest, and may be the future home of the eagle.

Week-end Weather: It is 39 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. The island has warmed up a little, something for which we are all thankful. Highs Friday in the mid-forties with a 30% chance of rain. Lows in the mid-twenties. Wind chill values will be in the low teens Friday night, bringing cooler temperatures for Saturday.  Look for highs in the low forties, with lows in the mid-twenties.  Sunday will be nearly an exact repeat, with highs in the low forties and lows in the mid-twenties.  ** Plant watch - cover those delicate plants **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One great blue heron, three brown pelicans floating in a lagoon, four double-crested cormorants, one male white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

January 7, 2010

We have a lovely sunny morning on Kiawah this morning, but once again we are all huddled inside from the cold. Anyone up, out, and about early this morning no doubt had to scrape their windshield. Now that's cold for us down South!  Fortunately we will see slightly warmer temperatures today, so be sure to get outside and play if you can.

Weather: It is 28 degrees at 9:00 this morning. The temperature is supposed to be a wee bit warmer today, thank goodness! Highs near fifty, lows in the mid-thirties with a 40% chance of showers. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One great blue heron, two double-crested cormorants, two female white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. 

January 6, 2010

Kiawah is bathed in sunshine this morning, but still quite cold. How can you tell it is downright frigid outside?  Take a look at Kiawah's lagoons and ponds.  When the pelicans give up on the ocean and begin hanging out on the ponds, you know it is cold out there!

Weather: It is 28 degrees at 9:00 this morning. The wind chill factor this morning is still quite cold - 12 degrees! Highs in the mid-forties today, lows in the upper twenties.  ** Plant watch - cover those delicate plants **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One great blue heron, one male white-tailed deer, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

January 5, 2010

Once again we have a lovely sunny morning on Kiawah this morning.  And once again it is downright COLD outside! It is definitely a day for sweaters and coats as you venture outside to play!

There are hundreds of birds on the island now - guess they must be stopping by on their way South.

Weather: It is 29 degrees at 9:10 this morning. The wind chill factor this morning is 10 degrees. YIKES!  Highs today in the low forties, lows in the mid-twenties.  ** Plant watch - cover those delicate plants **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  Two great blue herons, one male white-tailed deer, two raccoons, one double-crested cormorant, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. Heard but not seen: one great horned owl hooting over the marsh.

January 4, 2010

Kiawah is sunny but downright cold this morning! The northerners who read this may beg to differ, but we Kiawahians are C-O-L-D! There are sheets and plastic adorning lots of plants this morning. The temperature will not warm up very much today, so don't head outside without taking your coat!

Weather: It is 28 degrees at 9:10 this morning. Holy cow Batman, it is COLD outside!  The wind chill factor this morning is 11 degrees.  Highs in the low forties, lows in the mid-twenties.  ** Plant watch - cover those delicate plants **

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count  Spotted at various times & places around Kiawah during the week-end: Loads of American robins and three cedar waxwings on Marsh Island Drive, one red-headed woodpecker, eight double-crested cormorants at Cougar Point golf course, one raccoon on Governor's Drive, three great blue heron in various places, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

January 1, 2010 - Happy New Year!  Week-end Edition

Happy New Year! 

Another year has come and gone... Are you ready for 2010?  Here's hoping it is a wonderful year for you & yours.

2010 has dawned overcast and cool on Kiawah.  Last night's overcast skies and drizzle didn't allow much chance of spotting the full blue moon, but perhaps you managed a peek or two amongst the clouds?

Sunrise on Kiawah's Beach Kathy obviously did not take this picture recently, as it is certainly warmer in the photo than our current weather. Kathy says " What a sunrise we saw that morning!"

Week-end Weather: It is 47 degrees at 9:05 Friday morning. After today our chance of showers is nil, so bring on the week-end! Highs Friday in the low fifties with a 40% chance of rain. Lows near thirty.  Highs Saturday should be in the low forties, with lows in the upper 20s. Wind chill values could be as low as 14.  YIKES!  Sunday will be chilly too, with highs in the mid-forties, and lows in the mid-twenties. ** Plant watch - cover those delicate plants **

Today's Kiawah Critter Count  One great blue heron, one Carolina wren, several yellow-rumped warblers, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.