Tropical Storm Ophelia has fizzled, and Tropical Storm Philippe is now in the Atlantic. Looks like Philippe will also dissipate without coming close to our coast.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times and places around Kiawah during the week-end: Three female painted buntings, one bobcat, one male cardinal, seven white-tailed deer, one raccoon, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, a few Clouded Sulphur butterflies, a few Gulf Fritillary butterflies, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 23, 2011 Week-end Edition

It is partly sunny on Kiawah this morning. Just one week remaining in September - already! Today is the first official day of autumn. Can you believe how quickly this month has passed?

Fawn Chris Dahlstrom captured this cute little fawn during a rain shower. What Kiawah critters have you spotted lately?

Week-end Weather: It is 79 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. We may have more rain in store today and throughout the week-end. Highs in the low eighties, with a 70% chance of rain. Lows in the low seventies with a 50% chance of showers. Highs Saturday should be in the mid-eighties, lows in the low seventies. There is a 40% chance of rain throughout the day and evening. Last but not least, Sunday is supposed to bring highs in the mid-eighties, with a 40% chance of showers. Lows Sunday night near seventy with a 20% chance of rain.

Tropical Storm Ophelia is still hanging about in the Atlantic. There is currently nothing definite to report, but stay tuned or click here for details.  While we are on the subject, did anyone notice that we already had an Ophelia back in September of 2005? That storm hung out about 100 miles off our coast for nearly two weeks. Let's hope this Ophelia stays far, far away!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two female painted buntings, four white-tailed deer, one raccoon, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, a few Clouded Sulphur butterflies, a few Gulf Fritillary butterflies, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 22, 2011

Kiawah is mostly sunny this morning. Will we have a lovely sunny day, or will the predicted rain appear?

Critter News: A bald eagle was spotted swooping around Night Heron Park again yesterday. Have you seen a bald eagle in the wild?

Island News: EduFest was a wonderful event yesterday. People who attended received quite a treat from the Angel Oak Elementary School choir, who sang so beautifully. The schools made quite a few contacts who will hopefully turn into more volunteers, and 100 Sea Islands cookbooks were sold. Click here to see photos of the choir.

Weather: It is 76 degrees at 9:00 this morning. We didn't get too much rain yesterday, but may receive some today. Highs in the low eighties, lows in the low seventies. There is a 70% chance of rain throughout the day and evening.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two female painted buntings, two white-tailed deer, one raccoon, one blue jay, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, a few Clouded Sulphur butterflies, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 21, 2011

It is overcast and drizzly on Kiawah this morning. It's too early for Tropical Storm Ophelia to be affecting our weather - that shouldn't happen until sometime next week. But this rain looks to be hanging around for a bit, so break out the umbrellas!

Island News: EduFest is this afternoon at 4:30 at the Sandcastle. EduFest is a complimentary wine and cheese reception and raffle to learn about volunteer opportunities within the five public schools. It is also an opportunity to thank the many generous local public school volunteers for their support. For more information, please click here.

Weather: It is 73 degrees at 9:05 this morning. It looks like more rain is in store for us today. Highs in the mid-eighties, with a 60% chance of showers. Lows tonight in the low seventies, with a 50% chance of rain.

Tropical Storm Ophelia has coalesced in the Atlantic.  There is currently nothing definite to report, but stay tuned or click here for details.  While we are on the subject, did anyone notice that we already had an Ophelia back in September of 2005? That storm hung out about 100 miles off our coast for nearly two weeks. Let's hope this Ophelia stays far, far away!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two female painted buntings, two great blue herons, three white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, one Clouded Sulphur butterfly, three black vultures, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 20, 2011

Kiawah is partly cloudy this morning, but already nice and warm. It is quite nice outside this morning - what a great time for a walk or bike ride! But with an 80% chance of showers, be sure to take rain gear, just in case!

KICA News: Mornings with Joe has a new location and time. It will now be held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Sandcastle.

Weather: It is 74 degrees at 8:55 this morning. Our clouds have gone, leaving only sunshine in their wake. Highs in the low eighties today, with an 80% chance of rain. Lows in the low seventies tonight, with a 70% chance of showers.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Two female painted buntings, one great blue heron, one house finch, one white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, a few Gulf Fritillary butterflies, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 19, 2011

It is sunny and cool on Kiawah this morning. We are back to full fledged sunshine. It is a beautiful day on the island, with plenty of cool breezes to go around. Perhaps you will be able to get outside and play today? Here's hoping you have a fabulous day!

Eagle News: One of the nice things about this community web site is the ability to look back on the past few years (in the Archive) and see trends, and this one is TERRIFIC! Each fall our Kiawah eagles have shown up around September 9th. Watch the skies for our most famous and loved residents - one was spotted at Night Heron park over the week-end!

KICA News: Mornings with Joe has a new location and time. It will now be held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Sandcastle.

Weather: It is 68 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Our clouds have gone, leaving only sunshine in their wake. Highs near eighty, with a 20% chance of showers. Lows tonight in the low seventies with a 50% chance of rain.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times and places around Kiawah during the week-end: One bald eagle, one bobcat, three female painted buntings, one blue jay, one red-headed woodpecker, two great blue herons, two house finches, eight white-tailed deer, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, several brown pelicans, several Gulf Fritillary butterflies, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 16, 2011  Week-end Edition

Kiawah is overcast, cool, and damp this morning. Thunderstorms visited the island last night, complete with lightning and heavy rains. So we have puddles, leaves and limbs scattered around today.

KICA News: Mornings with Joe has a new location and time. It will now be held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Sandcastle.

Painted Buntings Kathy Heikes captured this painted bunting couple at her feeder. The suggested caption?  "This is your idea of an anniversary dinner?"

Week-end Weather: It is 64 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. That is quite a drop in temperature! Highs Friday in the mid-seventies, lows in the low sixties. There is a 50% chance of rain throughout the day and evening. Saturday's high is also supposed to be in the mid-seventies, with lows in the low sixties. The chance of rain drops to 40% during the day, and to 30% Saturday night. Highs Sunday back to the upper seventies, with only a 20% chance of showers. Lows Sunday night in the mid-sixties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Three female painted buntings, one blue jay, one red-headed woodpecker, one great blue heron, three brown pelicans, three white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, several Gulf Fritillary butterflies, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 15, 2011

It is sunny and already warm on Kiawah this morning. We have already reached the middle of September (hard to believe, isn't it?) and summer just will not let go of the heat and humidity.  Still, we all enjoy the sunshine, and it provides a perfect excuse to head to the beach. Have you sunk your toes in the sand lately?

Don't forget: It is tax day for you small businesses out there. Send in those quarterly taxes!

Weather: It is 79 degrees at 9:00 this morning. September isn't letting go of the heat just yet! Highs today near ninety, lows in the low sixties, with a 30% chance of rain.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Three female painted buntings, one male cardinal, one blue jay, one red-headed woodpecker, two white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, several Gulf Fritillary butterflies, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 14, 2011

Kiawah is partly cloudy this morning, and already quite warm. We have yet another delightful September morning! The temperature holds just a hint of coolness, and the breeze feels soft and warm. The birds apparently think so too, as they are making quite a ruckus outside!

Island News: There is now a FOUND black labradoodle named RJ on Kiawah. He was located yesterday near The Sanctuary, a bit bruised and hungry, but otherwise fine.

Weather: It is 76 degrees at 8:35 this morning. It looks like we have a terrific day in store! Highs today near ninety, lows in the low seventies.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One bobcat, three female painted buntings, one ruby-throated hummingbird, one male cardinal, four white-tailed deer, one raccoon, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, several Gulf Fritillary butterflies, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 13, 2011

It is sunny and warm on Kiawah this morning, with just a slight breeze. Sunrise was fabulous - a glowing orange ball rising slowly above the sea oats and dunes.  Have you seen the beach at sunrise recently? It's worth the trip!

Island News: There is a lost black labradoodle named RJ on Kiawah. He is approximately 90lbs. He had a seizure (at 4 Angler Hall) and ran off disoriented. He was last seen around noon yesterday (9/11/11). If you see him please contact his owners Debby & Harland Hodges 843-670-0497 (cell) or 843-768-1431 (home) 4 Angler Hall, Kiawah Island, SC.

Weather: It is 71 degrees at 8:50 this morning. Today is forecast to be slightly warmer than yesterday. Highs in the mid-eighties, lows in the low seventies.

Turtle News: Kiawah's nests have nearly finished hatching. There are a few left, but not many!

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One bobcat, three female painted buntings, one ruby-throated hummingbird, one five-lined skink, one male cardinal, two white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 12, 2011

Kiawah is gorgeous and sunny this morning, with cool temperatures to start our day. Isn't this perfect weather?

Island News: There is a lost black labradoodle named RJ on Kiawah. He is approximately 90lbs. He had a seizure (at 4 Angler Hall) and ran off disoriented. He was last seen around noon yesterday (9/11/11). If you see him please contact his owners Debby & Harland Hodges 843-670-0497 (cell) or 843-768-1431 (home) 4 Angler Hall, Kiawah Island, SC.

Did you know? Tonight is the Full Harvest Moon, the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. This full moon gets the name because at the peak of harvest, farmers could  work late into the night by the light of this Moon. Corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, and wild rice the chief Indian staples are now ready for gathering.

Don't Forget: Opera Lite begins this afternoon at the Sandcastle. Please click here for more information.

Weather: It is 74 degrees at 9:00 this  morning. Tropical Storm Maria is still around, but weather forecasters already say it is no threat to South Carolina. Highs in the upper eighties today, lows in the low seventies.  There is a 20% chance of showers throughout the day and evening.

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times and places around Kiawah during the week-end: Two female painted buntings, a few piping plovers, one bat, two ruby-throated hummingbirds, two house finches, two male and one female cardinal, several white-tailed deer, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 9, 2011 Week-end Edition

It is lovely and cool on Kiawah this morning, with plenty of sunshine to go around. It is a beautiful day on the island, with plenty of cool breezes to go around. Perhaps you will be able to get outside and play today? Here's hoping you have a fabulous day!

Week-end Weather: It is 71 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. Tropical Storm Maria is kicking around in the Atlantic, but it will be next week before landfall predictions begin. Highs Friday in the low eighties, lows in the upper sixties. Saturday's high should be in the in the upper eighties, with lows in the upper sixties.  Highs Sunday are supposed to reach the mid-eighties.  Lows Sunday night near seventy with a 20% chance of rain.

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

September 8, 2011

Kiawah is sunny and cool again this morning. What a fabulous morning! The sun is shining brightly, and it is downright cool outside. Throw open those windows and let in the fresh air!

Weather: It is 69 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Tropical Storm Maria is kicking around in the Atlantic, but is far, far away - thank goodness! Highs today in the low eighties, lows in the mid-sixties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Three female painted buntings, two ruby-throated hummingbirds, one house finch, one male cardinal, five white-tailed deer, several Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 7, 2011

It is sunny and cool on Kiawah this morning, and it feels terrific! It looks like a wonderful day, perfect for picnics, beach time, and just general lazing around.

We are a week into September, and tonight we will have a small taste of fall weather. Are you ready for some cooler nights?

Weather: It is 68 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Despite a much cooler start, today is supposed to be as warm as yesterday. Highs in the low eighties, lows in the low sixties.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count Three female painted buntings, one ruby-throated hummingbird, one house finch, one five-lined skink, one male cardinal, two white-tailed deer, several Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 6, 2011

Kiawah is mostly cloudy this morning. The clouds do not cover the entire sky, but almost! It certainly appears that we will have those 70% chance of showers.

The island is starting to get quieter. Vacationers have headed home and little ones have started school. Folks seem content to simply sit and rest. Perhaps we are taking a brief breather before fall truly arrives?

Weather: It is 83 degrees at 8:50 this morning. Today is forecasted to be a bit warmer than yesterday. Highs in the upper eighties, lows in the low seventies. There is a 70% chance of showers throughout the day and evening.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One red-bellied woodpecker, three female painted buntings, one ruby-throated hummingbird, one house finch, one male cardinal, three white-tailed deer, several Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 5, 2011

It is partly sunny on Kiawah this morning. Hope you planned your celebrations early, just in case the forecasted showers show up to the party!

Did you know? The first Labor Day celebration was September 15, 1882 in New York City and was organized by the Central Labor Union. Oregon was the first state to pass a bill to designate Labor Day on February 21, 1887. It was first proposed as "a street parade to exhibit to the public the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations." Congress made the first Monday in September an official Labor Day holiday on June 28, 1894.

Weather: It is 81 degrees at 9:00 this morning. We have a good chance of thunderstorms, so get outside early! Highs in the upper eighties, lows in the upper seventies. There is a 50% chance of rain throughout the day and evening.

Storm News: It looks like Hurricane Katia has moved further off shore, making landfall somewhere in South Carolina very unlikely. Click here to view information about Katia.

Turtle News: Kiawah's nests have nearly finished hatching. There are several left, but not many!

Week-end Kiawah Critter Count Spotted at various times and places around Kiawah during the week-end: One bobcat, three red-bellied woodpeckers, one male and three female painted buntings, two ruby-throated hummingbirds, two house finches, one raccoon, two male cardinals, seven white-tailed deer, several Carolina chickadees, several tufted titmice, one bat, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 2, 2011 Week-end Edition

Kiawah is gorgeous this morning, and at only 74 degrees, quite cool! The sun is shining brightly, and the humidity is very low. There is a slight breeze blowing in from the Atlantic which no doubt ushered in this cool, comfortable morning. It would be a terrific day to walk or bike on the paths.  Will you be playing outside today?

Goshawk Chris Dahlstrom shares this wonderful photo and says that it "proves that on Kiawah you can even find great wildlife in the mud puddles." Where is the oddest place you have spotted Kiawah wildlife? 

Week-end Weather: It is 74 degrees at 9:00 Friday morning. Our week-end looks to be sunny and marvelous! Highs Friday in the upper eighties, lows near seventy. Saturday's high should be in the upper eighties again, with lows in the low seventies. Sunday is supposed to bring highs in the upper eighties, and lows in the low seventies. There is a 20% chance of rain throughout the day and evening.

Storm News: Tropical Storm Katia hasn't made her move yet, so everyone is still watching carefully. We won't really know it's track until early next week. Where will it make landfall? Click here to view information about Katia.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One red-bellied woodpecker, one male and three female painted buntings, one ruby-throated hummingbird, one house finch, two male cardinals, one white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.

September 1, 2011

It is cool and sunny on Kiawah this morning. September begins with wonderful weather.

By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer’s best of weather
And autumn’s best of cheer.

- Helen Hunt Jackson, "September", 1830-1885

Weather: It is 76 degrees at 9:00 this morning. Once again the weather gods have seen fit to send us a beautiful day! Highs in the upper eighties, lows in the upper sixties.

Storm News: Everyone is keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Katia.We won't really know it's track until early next week. Where will it make landfall? Click here to view information about Katia.

Turtle News: Hurricane Irene didn't make landfall on Kiawah, but her high tides and waves wreaked havoc on our turtle nests. It looks like 20 nests were lost.

Today's Kiawah Critter Count One red-bellied woodpecker, one male and four female painted buntings, one ruby-throated hummingbird, one male cardinal, three white-tailed deer, a few Carolina chickadees, a few tufted titmice, and dozens of snowy egrets on Sea Marsh Drive.