Conservation // 5 min Read

In the Field: April Eye to the Sky

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Don’t forget to download the April bird checklist! Click here or scroll to the bottom for this month’s guide.

“Trilllllllpip… Trilllllllpip…” Did you hear that? That was the sound of a northern parula! They are a small warbler species that breeds throughout the eastern United States and Canada, but they spend the winter in southern Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. I personally consider them the heralds of the spring migration as they are one of the first migrants to show up in the spring. When I heard the first parula on March 6th, I knew that other species would be close behind.

The rising buzz of prairie warblers and the sing-songy whistles of yellow-throated vireos graced our ears in mid-March. Both species are migrants that overwinter in Central America and the Caribbean. When they are here in North America, they spend most of their time high in the canopy where they will raise their young.

American Kestrel (photo provided by James Ackerman)
American Kestrel (photo provided by James Ackerman)

Moving from the woods to the fields, an American kestrel was observed during the one of the Conservancy’s bluebird surveys! Kestrels are supposed to be year-round residents, but we do not see any sign of them during the summer months at Palmetto Bluff. They may either move further inland or simply become more secretive and elusive during the breeding season and go undetected.

On March 14th, purple martins were observed swooping over the jumping course at Longfield Stables and then later that week near the shooting club. Purple martins in the eastern United States nest almost entirely within artificial nest cavities such as gourd racks, while martins out west are still documented using natural cavities. Above the purple martins, swallow-tailed kites elegantly soared over the shooting club and nearby wetlands. The winds across the Gulf of Mexico were favorable this year, which allowed for an expedited journey to the southern United States for the kites. These raptors are being studied by the Avian Research and Conservation Institute, and if you see one, let the Institute know by reporting your sightings.

Chuck-will’s-widows were first heard this year during the Conservancy’s Owl Prowl. A close cousin to the eastern whip-poor-will, chuck-will’s are breeding residents in Beaufort County and can be heard throughout our balmy summer nights. Both whip-poor-wills and chuck-will’s-widows are nightjars, and their elusive lifestyle makes it difficult to determine if they are in trouble. In June, the Conservancy will be taking part in an annual nightjar survey hosted through the Nightjar Survey Network to assist in elucidating how nightjar populations are faring throughout the United States.

Bluebird Eggs
Bluebird Eggs
Bluebird Chicks
Bluebird Chicks

Along with the unique sightings observed in March, the breeding season kicked off with some early bluebird nesting activity. The end of March saw multiple nests, eggs, and bluebird chicks throughout the Conservancy’s bluebird nest boxes!

Chickadee Eggs
Chickadee Eggs

Chickadees, cardinals, and wrens were either busy singing their hearts out or taking care of chicks. I witnessed my first wren fledglings of the year bouncing around the yard at the end of the month.

Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey

One more species that began breeding in March, and the Conservancy director’s favorite, is the wild turkey. We observed multiple male turkeys, also called gobblers, strutting around the southern end of Palmetto Bluff. The gobbler’s strutting is part of the courtship process to attract females, known as hens.

Soaring into April, we will observe similar activity to what was seen in March. Migration will continue to intensify as we head towards the peak of migration in May. Nesting activity will increase as more individuals arrive and pair up for the season. Species that are highly sought after such as painted buntings will finally return this month along with great crested flycatchers, blue grosbeaks, and summer tanagers. Be sure to keep your eyes out for these summer residents and the unique species that may be seen passing through!

The spring migration is going strong! If you see or photograph something you wish to share, you can submit your sightings to Aaron Palmieri at apalmieri@pbconservancy.org and they may appear in next month’s update.

March’s Unique Sightings:

Northern Parula (River Road Preserve, Managed Forest)

Chuck-will’s-widows (Managed Forest, Conservancy shop, River Road Neighborhood)

Purple Martins (Shooting Club, Equestrian Jump Course)

Yellow-throated Vireo (Managed Forest)

Swallow-tailed Kite (Shooting Club, the Farm)

Prairie Warbler (Managed Forest, Wilson Village)

American Kestrel (Longfield Stables)

Eastern Screech-Owl (Compt. 8 Field)

March Contributors:

Charlotte, Mark Newlin, James and Marsha Ackerman, Bob Dale, Glenn Steinberg, Tom Ritter, David Miller, Bruce Becker

Culture
Finding Fish

Following the tides and angling for redfish in Lowcountry creeks and estuaries with Captains Brian Vaughn and Will Stephens Story by Sandy Lang It is a sunny morning in October and the water is calm and glassy. The silence is punctuated by a gush of breath f...

Jun 2025
home upkeep checklist

Real Estate
Get Ahead of Spring Cleaning: How to Upkeep Your Luxury Lowcountry Home

7 Ways To Upkeep Your Palmetto Bluff Home As spring arrives in the Lowcountry, the change in season brings more than blooming marshlands and sun-drenched afternoons; it’s also a perfect time to refresh and care for your Palmetto Bluff home. Coastal living mea...

May 2025

Discover the Next Great Chapter in Golf Course Design, Only at Palmetto Bluff

When the land speaks, you listen. And at Palmetto Bluff, it spoke to two of golf’s most legendary course designers—Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. We invite you to watch our newest video, shot this past winter and featuring Bill and Ben, along with South Street P...

May 2025
home renovations 2025

Architecture & Design
Renovations That Will Increase Your Home’s Value in 2025

5 Renovations to Increase the Value of Your Lowcountry Home Whether Palmetto Bluff is your full-time residence or a cherished retreat, deciding to sell is never a quick or casual choice. However, when the time does come, you want your home to be as market-rea...

May 2025

Food & Wine
Talking Sauce with Chef Rhy Waddington

Chef Rhy Waddington is always thinking about elevating the dining experience, down to the smallest detail. His most recent creation is perfect for the summer season - a trio of BBQ sauces designed to complement the property’s barbecue offerings and beyond. We ...

May 2025

Club Life
Dive Into Summer: The Pools of Palmetto Bluff

Summer at Palmetto Bluff is all about soaking up the sun, cooling off in style, and enjoying the simple pleasures of Lowcountry living. From peaceful afternoons at The Lodge Pools to lively family fun at Moreland, our pools offer a perfect se...

May 2025

Culture
Divided Loyalties: A Walk Through the Revolutionary War

On July 5th, the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy will partner with South Carolina 250 (SC250) to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution with a special walking tour honoring Beaufort County’s often-overlooked role in the war. Led by archaeologist Kati...

May 2025
28 yearling road

Real Estate
Real Estate Spotlight: 28 Yearling Road

Explore 28 Yearling Road in River Road Neighborhood Tucked within the heart of Palmetto Bluff’s beloved River Road neighborhood, 28 Yearling Road is a masterclass in Lowcountry elegance—where timeless architecture meets modern comfort, and every detail invite...

May 2025

Culture
Local Character | Captain Thomas Shanahan

The Bluff | Spring/Summer 2025 Tell me about where you grew up. I was born and raised on Broad Creek in Hilton Head and I’ve been boating and fishing since I was a tiny kid. I got into the industry when I was eight. I’d go down to Shelter Creek Marina and be...

May 2025
crossroads 9-hole golf course

Sporting Life
The Ultimate Crossroads Golf Course Experience

How to Enjoy a Day of Golf at Crossroads  At Palmetto Bluff, Crossroads nine-hole golf course offers more than a place to play—it provides a sense of belonging. While the course layout is thoughtfully designed and visually stunning, what sets Crossroads apart...

Apr 2025

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us