Ladies and gentlemen, we have SUNSHINE! Kiawah is cool this morning, but our humidity is high. We received some much needed showers last night, which apparently brought us these pleasant temperatures.  Is it wrong to think that we could still use more rain?

Weather: It is 75 degrees at 8:30 this morning. Gentle breezes and slightly cooler temperatures should rule today. Highs near ninety, lows in the low seventies.   

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One male and one female painted bunting, four American alligators, two great blue herons, one Black Racer snake, a few Carolina wrens, one male and one female cardinal, two white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

It is sunny on Kiawah this morning. The weather today looks to be a repeat of yesterday - overcast with high humidity and the ever present chance of showers.  

Sundown Festival ~ Don't Forget! Harper & Midwest Kind at 6:30 pm at Night Heron Park. No Tickets required! Australian singer/songwriter “Harper” creates an amalgamation of blues, rock, funk, soul, jam and world music. The Sundown Festival features music, southern lawn games, inflatables and a train available throughout the evening. Night Heron Grill will be open for extended hours. The performance is presented by the Town of Kiawah Island Arts Council in collaboration with the Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Sundown Festival.

Weather: It is 83 degrees at 9:00 this morning. The weather service says Kiawah could receive "heavy rain with ground lightning possible" this morning, though it certainly doesn't look that way now, does it? Highs near ninety, lows in the mid-seventies.  There is a 50% chance of rain throughout the day and evening. 

Turtle News: Kiawah's beach has 161 nests as of June 29th. Our mamas are still going strong, and should be for roughly another month.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One male and one female painted bunting, one yellow-bellied sapsucker, three American alligators, one Carolina wren, one male and one female cardinal, four white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

Kiawah is sunny and beautiful this morning, with far less humidity than in recent days. Lots of folks were out and about enjoying the weather yesterday - the bike paths were burgeoning! Perhaps you were out playing yesterday? If not, why not head out today and grab some vitamin D, courtesy of Mr. Sun?

Did you know? Today is Carolina Day, the 228th anniversary of one of the first American victories in the Revolutionary War - the Battle of Fort Sullivan on June 28, 1776.

Weather: It is 83 degrees at 9:00 this morning. It is going to be fairly humid today, but there is no heat index warning, thank goodness! Highs near ninety today, with a 20% chance of showers.  Lows tonight in the mid-seventies with a 40% chance of rain. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One male and one female painted bunting, one anole, a few red-winged blackbirds, one American alligator, one Carolina wren, one male cardinal, two white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

It is clear and sunny on Kiawah this morning.  We approach the end of June with our normal heat and humidity, and the ever-present chance of showers.  It's going to be another scorcher... We have more sunshine and loads of humidity on Kiawah this morning. It looks to be a repeat of yesterday.

In June, as many as a dozen species may burst their buds on a single day. No man can heed all of these anniversaries; no man can ignore all of them. 

       -   Aldo Leopold

Weather: It is 82 degrees at 9:00 this morning.  Looks like we may get some thundershowers this afternoon, so get out there to play early, just in case!  highs in the mid-nineties, lows in the mid-seventies.  There is a 40% chance of rain throughout the day and evening. 

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times and places around Kiawah during the week-end: One male and two female painted buntings, one pileated woodpecker, one black vulture, two anoles, several Great white egrets, several brown pelicans, a few red-winged blackbirds, a few American alligators, one male and two female cardinals, roughly a dozen white-tailed deer, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

Kiawah is overcast this morning. The island was walloped with storms last night, but it was a welcome pounding. We really needed the rain, and the accompanying sound track of thunder wasn't too bad either. Rather than a brief summer shower, we had a nice long rain for a good part of the evening. It appears the rain is moving off though, with only a 20% chance of rain throughout the week-end.

Wood stork This wood stork was cruising Willet Pond (across from the Ocean Course clubhouse). Actually there were several wood storks there the evening this shot was taken, but only this one cooperated and spread its wings.

Week-end Weather: It is 76 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. Expect highs in the low nineties Friday, with lows in the mid- seventies. Saturday's low should be near ninety, with lows in the mid- seventies. Last but not least, watch for highs in the low nineties on Sunday, with lows once again in the mid- seventies. There is a 20% chance of rain from now through Sunday night.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One male and two female painted buntings, several Great white egrets, several brown pelicans, a few red-winged blackbirds, a few American alligators, one male and two female cardinals, six white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

Turtle News: Kiawah's turtle mamas are still cookin'! Eight nests this morning, bringing our total to 146 nests (as of June 24th). That is 17 nests MORE than 2003 (when Kiawah finished the season with 225 nests). Amazing!

June 23, 2011

It is mostly sunny on Kiawah this morning. The weather service again says we will see smoke from the wildfires, and there is now an advisory as follows: "people with respiratory ailments that can be triggered by smoke should consider staying indoors. Motorists should also be alert for sudden changes in visibility... and are urged to drive with extreme care." Fortunately for us, the winds on the beach seem to keep the smoke at bay, soooooo... see you on the beach!

Weather: It is 86 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Be on the lookout for a heat index of 106 today. Highs in the mid-nineties with a 20% chance of rain. Lows tonight in the mid-seventies with a 40% chance of showers.

Turtle News: Kiawah's beach has 135 nests as of June 22nd. That is 21 more nests than we had on June 22nd in 1999, when we had our largest nesting season EVER! (296 once every nest was counted.) WOW!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One male and two female painted buntings, several wood storks, a few white ibis, several Great white egrets, a few brown pelicans, four osprey, a few red-winged blackbirds, a few American alligators, one male and two female cardinals, four white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 22, 2011

Kiawah is overcast this morning. We have 90% humidity at 8:00 a.m., so that should tell you how today's weather is going to go. Once again the weather service says we will see patchy smoke from the wildfires in Georgia. Be careful out there!

Weather: It is 80 degrees at 8:00 this morning. Watch out for that heat index again today - heat index of 105. Highs in the low nineties. Tonight's low should be in the mid-seventies with a 20% chance of showers.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One male and two female painted buntings, one male and one female cardinal, one anole, one blue jay, two white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 21, 2011

It is sunny and HOT on Kiawah this morning. Today is the first official day of summer, and it has certainly arrived! The island is already quite humid this morning. The heat index is slated to hit 107 this afternoon, so please be careful! Drink lots of fluids, wear lots of sunscreen, and keep cool. It is going to be a typical South Carolina June scorcher. Everyone will be searching for ways to stay cool today. Perhaps a swimming pool is in your future?

Weather: It is 89 degrees at 9:00 this morning. We have another day with a very high heat index: heat index of 107. Highs in the mid-nineties, lows in the upper seventies.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One male and two female painted buntings, one house finch, one male and one female cardinal, three white-tailed deer, several Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 20, 2011

Kiawah is sunny and already quite toasty this morning. The island is "icky sticky" this morning - we are covered in June's smotheringly hot, wet blanket. Yuck. Someone get the hose! It's either that or head to the swimming pool. How will you beat the heat today?

Weather: It is 85 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Hope you are ready for some significant heat! Highs today in the mid-nineties, with a heat index of 110. Lows in the upper seventies with a 20% chance of rain.

Turtle News: Kiawah's turtle patrollers have been unbelievably busy this past week. As of June 19th there are 120 nests on Kiawah's beach. That is an extraordinary number for this point in the nesting season. Holy cow! (Or would that be holy mama turtles?)

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times and places around Kiawah during the week-end: one male and two female painted buntings, one ruby-throated hummingbird, one black vulture, one house finch, two green herons, one male and one female cardinal, one blue jay, a dozen or so white-tailed deer, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 17, 2011 Week-end Edition

It is mostly sunny on Kiawah this morning. Hope everyone is set for some serious heat, as our heat index for the entire week-end (starting today!) will be over 100 degrees. Yikes! Guess we will all see each other at the beach!

Loggerhead sea turtle Alison and her family were on the beach in the evening earlier this week when this turtle mama crawled up on shore. Sadly, after all that effort she did not lay her eggs. If you are lucky enough to spot a turtle, please remember NOT to get in front of it, and do NOT use a flash or flashlight. Excessive noise, light, or interfering with it can cause her to return to the ocean without nesting. Save the turtles!

Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there!  (For all you children, CALL YOUR DAD!)

Week-end Weather: It is 81 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. It is supposed to be a bit warmer today and throughout the week-end. Highs Friday in the low nineties, with a heat index of 104. Lows in the upper seventies. There is a 20% chance of showers all day and evening Friday. Look for highs near ninety Saturday, with a heat index of 101, and still a 20% chance of rain. Lows in the mid-seventies Saturday night. Highs Sunday in the mid-nineties, again with a heat index of 104 and a 20% chance of showers. Lows Sunday night in the mid-seventies.

Turtle News: Turtle patrollers on June 16th found not one, not two, not even three or four, but SEVEN nests! WOW! So now there are 96 nests on Kiawah's beach. Those were some busy patrollers!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One mama loggerhead turtle, one male and one female painted bunting, one male and one female cardinal, one blue jay, five white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, several golden silk spiders, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 16, 2011

Kiawah is mostly cloudy this morning, though the sun is managing to peek out occasionally. The island FINALLY received some rain yesterday, and then again last night. If you are a night owl, you were treated to quite the light show, complete with sound effects. We desperately needed the rain, as it was the first in over two months. Will we receive more today? Stay tuned...

Weather: It is 76 degrees at 9:00 this morning. It is a bit cooler this morning after last night's rain. Highs near ninety, lows in the low seventies. There is a 40% chance of showers throughout the day and evening.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two male and two female painted buntings, one male cardinal, one anole, two white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive. Heard but not seen: two chuck wills widows.

June 15, 2011

It is mostly sunny on Kiawah this morning. Looks like we are in for another hot day, so stay cool out there!

Astronomy 101: Tonight is the Full Strawberry Moon, named by the Algonquin tribes because the relatively short season for harvesting strawberries comes each year during the month of June. However, in Europe they called it the Rose Moon.

Weather: It is 80 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Today's temperatures look to be a repeat of yesterday. Highs near ninety, with a 20% chance of rain. Lows tonight in the low seventies with a 30% chance of showers.

Turtle News: As of June 14th, there are 84 nests on Kiawah's beach.  Amazing!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two male and two female painted buntings, one wild turkey, one female and one male cardinal, five white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 14, 2011

Kiawah is sunny and warm this morning. It looks like we have are firmly entrenched in our summer weather. Get out those swimsuits and head to the beach!

Weather: It is 81 degrees at 9:00 this morning. The humidity isn't too high today, thank goodness. Highs near ninety, lows in the low seventies. There is a 30% chance of showers throughout the day and evening.

Turtle News: As of June 13th, there are 82 nests on Kiawah's beach.  Yea!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two male and two female painted buntings, two anoles, one red-winged blackbird, several brown pelicans, one female and one male cardinal, three white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 13, 2011

It is partly cloudy on Kiawah this morning. Still no showers, despite the nearly constant "20% chance".

Kiawah is still wrapped in its coat of many colors - coral beans, the last blooms of magnolias, mimosas, gardenias, lantanas and more.

Weather: It is 84 degrees at 9:00 this morning. The heat index is supposed to be 102 today, so be careful out there, and be sure to stay hydrated! Highs in the low nineties, lows in the low seventies. There is a 20% chance of rain throughout the day and evening.

Turtle News: As of June 12th, there are 77 nests on Kiawah's beach.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times and places around Kiawah during the week-end: Two male and two female painted buntings, one downy woodpecker, a few skimmers, one black vulture, several anoles, several brown pelicans, one female and one male cardinal, fourteen white-tailed deer, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 10, 2011 Week-end Edition

Kiawah is, er, DARK at 5:30 this morning! It is too early to tell if clouds or sunshine cover the island.

Hummingbirds anyone?  John J. Audubon called them "glittering fragments of the rainbow," and they are once again darting around flowers and feeders in South Carolina. South Carolina residents can landscape with flowers, hang out a feeder and invite hummingbirds to lunch, and in return, they will entertain you with their antics and add a little color to your life. For more information on ruby-throated hummingbirds, write Hummingbirds, DNR Wildlife Section, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202-0167 or call (803) 734-3886 in Columbia.

Nest #73 Kiawah Island Community Association employee Dave Achey is a very devoted soul who not only does stellar work for KICA, but he participates in turtle patrol BEFORE going to work.  Talk about dedication! Dave located a nest for the very first time June 10th. Way to go Dave!

Week-end Weather: It is 68 degrees at 5:30 Friday morning. Our week-end is shaping up nicely, with only sunshine predicted throughout. Highs Friday in the mid-eighties, lows near seventy. Saturday's high should be in the mid-eighties again, with lows in the mid-seventies. We should reach the upper eighties on Sunday, with lows in the low seventies.

Turtle News: As of June 10th, Kiawah's beach has 73 nests. Three cheers for our turtle mamas!

Turtle News: Four more loggerhead nests on June 9th, for a grand total of 72 nests on Kiawah's beach. WOW!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two male and two female painted buntings, three anoles, several brown pelicans, one female and one male cardinal, seven white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 9, 2011

Once again 5:30 is a bit too early to tell if clouds or sunshine cover the island. No chance of rain is predicted however, so how do you think it is safe to say that it will be warm and sunny?

Don't Forget! Disaster Awareness Day is today from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sandcastle. There will be loads of helpful information, speakers, and even a buffet lunch! So head on over to the Sandcastle and get prepared!

Weather: It is 72 degrees at 5:30 this morning. The 83% humidity may make it feel like it is warmer, but the highs will be in the mid-eighties today. Lows in the low seventies tonight.

Turtle News: Four more loggerhead nests this morning, for a grand total of 72 nests on Kiawah's beach. WOW!

Turtle News: As of June 8th, there are 68 turtle nests! Yea! Stay tuned later today for updated nest numbers. (Yes, that means the web master is on the turtle truck this morning! Zzzzzz...)

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two male and two female painted buntings, one anole, several brown pelicans, a male cardinal, four white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 8, 2011

Kiawah is, um, STILL DARK at 5:35 this morning! It is too early to tell if clouds or sunshine cover the island.

Did you know? June 8th is World Oceans Day, a day to celebrate the bounty and beauty of our seas. The UN designated June 8 as World Oceans Day in 1992, but every year since then organizations, schools, aquariums and ocean advocates have unofficially celebrated that day. Now, thanks to a new resolution, the designation is official.

Don't Forget! Disaster Awareness Day is being held tomorrow, June 9th from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sandcastle.  There will be loads of helpful information, speakers, and even a buffet lunch! So head on over to the Sandcastle and get prepared!

Weather: It is 73 degrees at 5:25 this morning. No chance of showers again today, only warm weather and sunshine! Highs in the mid-eighties lows in the low seventies.

Turtle News: As of June 8th, there are 68 turtle nests! Yea!

Turtle News: As of June 7th, there are now 67 turtle nests! Yea! That's 21 nests in 5 days, for those of you keeping track. Amazing! Check back later today for the latest nest numbers. (Yes, that means the web master is on turtle nesting patrol this morning! Yawn...)

You can learn more about Kiawah's turtles by visiting The Turtle Nest on Facebook or www.KiawahTurtles.com KICA just posted a new video of the sea turtle release from June 3rd - you can find it in the Links of Interest section below.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two male and two female painted buntings, one brown-headed nuthatch, two anoles, one blue jay, several brown pelicans, a male cardinal, three white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 7, 2011

No other words for it, it is simply gorgeous on Kiawah this morning! It is another lovely day in paradise! It will be quite warm, and the humidity is very high today. Still, not too bad for June in South Carolina!

Weather: It is 81 degrees at 9:00 this morning. No chance of showers today, just clear blue skies and sunshine! Highs in the mid-eighties lows in the low seventies.

Turtle News: As of June 7th, there are now 67 turtle nests! Yea! That's 21 nests in 5 days, for those of you keeping track. Amazing!  You can learn more about Kiawah's turtles by visiting www.KiawahTurtles.com or The Turtle Nest on Facebook. KICA has just posted a new video of the sea turtle release from June 3rd - you can find it in the Links of Interest section below. 

Turtle News: Kiawah's beach had fifty-nine nests as of June 4th. Go mama turtles! KICA has just posted a new video of the sea turtle release from June 3rd - you can find it in the Links of Interest section below.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two male and two female painted buntings, one great blue heron, one anole, one blue jay, several brown pelicans, a male cardinal, three white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 6, 2011

Kiawah is sunny this morning, but there are an awful lot of clouds floating around up there. While island visitors would doubtlessly prefer high and dry, we could certainly use some rain. It doesn't look very likely to happen though...

Weather: It is 81 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Once again we have a very slight chance of showers. Highs in the upper eighties with a 20% chance of rain. Lows in the low seventies.

Turtle News: Kiawah's beach had fifty-nine nests as of June 4th. Go mama turtles!

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times and places around Kiawah during the week-end: One loggerhead sea turtle, nine green sea turtles, (click in the Links of Interest section for more information about the turtle release!) two male and two female painted buntings, two red-bellied woodpeckers, one downy woodpecker, three great blue herons, five anoles, one marsh hawk, two blue jays, several brown pelicans, two male and one female cardinals, roughly a dozen white-tailed deer, three Carolina wrens, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 3, 2011 Week-end Edition

It is sunny and warm on Kiawah this morning. We head into the week-end with many things happening, from a concert Friday evening at Freshfields to a sea turtle release, not to mention our beach, bike paths, tennis courts, golf courses, and then of course Spoleto is in full swing... whew! It is exhausting just contemplating the wide range of choices. However you elect to spend your week-end, hope you enjoy it!

KICA News: The new KICA web site has arrived! There are many new features, including a Members section, event signups, facilities reservations, and more!  Click the KICA link above, or the button on the right to check it out.

Island News: Nine sea turtles will be released Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Beachwalker Park. One loggerhead and eight green sea turtles will be released back to the ocean by the Sea Turtle Hospital at the SC Aquarium. Come wish them well!

Yellow-bellied Sliders You can often see several of these yellow-bellied slider turtles in the lagoon next to Osprey Point golf course. But if you want to photograph them, beware of alligators! There are often loads of them there too...

Week-end Weather: It is 82 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. We still have a very slight chance of rain, but not for long! Highs Friday in the upper eighties, lows in the low seventies. There is a 20% chance of showers throughout the day and evening.  Mid-eighties should be the order of the day Saturday, with lows in the low seventies.  Highs Sunday are supposed to be near ninety, with lows in the low seventies.  There is also a 20% chance of rain all throughout Sunday.

Turtle News: There are forty-six nests on Kiawah's beach as of June 2nd. How cool is that?

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One male and one female painted bunting, one marsh hawk, one great blue heron, one anole, several brown pelicans, one male and one female cardinal, two white-tailed deer, one Carolina wren, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 2, 2011

Kiawah is a bit hazy this morning, no doubt from the humidity. The sun is shining away, happily celebrating the beginning of June.

The season is already bringing us many new flowers - the lantana and coral beans are in full bloom. Folks with vegetable gardens are seeing the beginnings of the fruit of their labors. Have you seen any blossoms today?

Weather: It is 80 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Don't hold your breath for rain, there is only a very slight chance. Highs in the upper eighties, lows in the low seventies. There is a 20% chance of showers throughout the day and evening. 

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One male and one female painted bunting, one marsh rabbit, one anole, one osprey, several brown pelicans, one male cardinal, four white-tailed deer, one Carolina wren, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

June 1, 2011

It is sunny on Kiawah this morning, and already warm. Despite the weather service prediction of mid-eighties for today, it is already 82 degrees. Hmmm... perhaps it will be closer to ninety? Either way, it should be a terrific day to get outside and play! Do you have plans to enjoy this wonderful weather?

In June, as many as a dozen species may burst their buds on a single day. No man can heed all of these anniversaries; no man can ignore all of them.

- Aldo Leopold

Weather: It is 82 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Today is supposed to be just ever so slightly cooler than yesterday. Highs in the mid-eighties, lows in the low seventies. 

Turtle News: There were thirty-three nests on Kiawah's beach as of May 30th.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One male and one female painted bunting, two anoles (anoli?) two osprey, one great blue heron, several brown pelicans, one male and one female cardinal, two white-tailed deer, one Carolina wren, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.