Conservation // 4 min Read

In the Field: Eye to the Sky

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Bird watching in January was fairly active compared to the unusually quiet December we experienced in 2020. Carolina chickadees, northern cardinals, and a variety of year-round species were observed this month.

Common seasonal residents included large flocks of double-crested cormorants at the lagoons, spotted sandpipers bobbing along the banks of Lake Bales, and lively yellow-rumped warblers darting through the wax myrtles.

Uncommon, but expected, visitors consisted of black-and-white warblers in River Road Preserve, American goldfinches around Moreland, and common loons spotted out on Corley’s Creek.

Lastly, and to much of our excitement, rare sightings involved a dazzling Baltimore oriole which frequented the Conservancy’s bird feeders, while an out-of-season painted bunting made an appearance around Moreland village.

January Spotted Birds
January spotted birds: Carolina Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Double-crested Cormorant, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Goldfinch, Common Loon, Baltimore Oriole, Painted Bunting, Double-Crested Cormorant

Moving into February, we can expect activity to begin picking up with the spring migration arriving in March. Shorebirds will begin migrating in February, but many songbirds use this month to bulk up in preparation for their journey north.

American robins, cedar waxwings, and hermit thrushes may be seen eating the remaining berries from holly and cedar trees. White-eyed vireos and other resident species may begin singing to establish territories, and as we near the end of the month we should see the males of some species begin developing their breeding plumage for the nesting season.

Uncommon species to look out for this month include loggerhead shrikes prowling the open fields around Moreland and Cooper’s hawks may be more noticeable as they chase the more active songbirds.

February Birds
Birds to spot in February: American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Hermit Thrush, Loggerhead Shrike, Cooper’s Hawk, Spotted Sandpiper

For people looking to get involved in bird watching, February is the month of the Great Backyard Bird Count. This international citizen science project was initiated by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society and will run from Friday, February 12th to Monday, February 15th. Participation only requires downloading the eBird app and submitting your bird sightings during these dates.

As we move through February, you may observe some of the birds mentioned above or listed on the February checklist below. 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.

February Bird Checklist
Click to open a printable version.
moreland village

Real Estate
Real Estate Spotlight: Moreland Village Homes

Explore All Moreland Village Has to Offer at Palmetto Bluff Moreland Village at Palmetto Bluff offers a rare blend of Lowcountry charm, modern amenities, and a deep connection to nature. Surrounded by the serene waters of the Inland Waterway, the New River, a...

Feb 2025
lowcountry housing trends 2025

Real Estate
Lowcountry Housing Trends & Market Updates of 2025

Real Estate in Bluffton, SC: Trends, Updates, and Insights As we step into 2025, the South Carolina housing market continues to shift and evolve, with Palmetto Bluff standing out as a premier destination for luxury and Lowcountry living. With a record-setting...

Feb 2025
palmetto bluff activities

Sporting Life
Sticking to Your New Year Resolutions: How to Stay Active at The Bluff

Create Lasting Habits With These 6 Palmetto Bluff Activities As the new year sets in, many of us find ourselves determined to stick to those resolutions we set just a few weeks ago. Whether it's getting fit, staying active, or embracing a healthier lifestyle,...

Feb 2025

Real Estate
Pattern Play: Wallpaper and Tile Take Center Stage

Gone are the days of whitewashed walls and neutral greys; patterned wallpaper and tile are making a comeback in the interior design world in a big way. Around Palmetto Bluff, the trend (or tradition, according to some) offers surprising details and delightful ...

Feb 2025

Conservation
Three Can't-Miss Conservancy Events

The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy is starting 2025 off with a calendar full of exciting educational events and workshops. At the Bluff, we are lucky to have an abundance of programming for both members and the public. We asked Outreach & Education Manager Aar...

Feb 2025

Artist in Residence
Sewing Sweetgrass

On a warm summer afternoon in Moreland Village, light streams in the windows of the Conservancy classroom as Michael Smalls and Dino Badger lay out bunches of sweetgrass and curling palmetto fronds. The workshop today is part of The Arts Initiative at Palmetto...

Jan 2025
bluffton south carolina upcoming events

Club Life
9 Can’t-Miss 2025 Events in the Lowcountry

2025 Events Near Palmetto Bluff Positioned in the heart of the Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff stands as a beacon of coastal elegance, offering an unparalleled blend of luxurious living and unforgettable events that capture the essence of this charming region. In ...

Jan 2025
james swift, director of golf at palmetto bluff

Sporting Life
Behind the Bluff with Director of Golf: James Swift

James’ Journey to Palmetto Bluff At Palmetto Bluff, golf is more than a sport—it's an experience deeply rooted in the Lowcountry's natural beauty and unique culture. James Swift, the Director of Golf, brings a lifetime of dedication and passion to this except...

Jan 2025
palmetto bluff homes for sale

Architecture & Design
Real Estate Spotlight: Palmetto Bluff Builders Projects

Projects By the Palmetto Bluff Builders Team A home is more than just bricks and mortar; it's where cherished memories are made and dreams come to life. At Palmetto Bluff, the Palmetto Bluff Builders team brings your dream home to life by offering a curated c...

Jan 2025
palmetto bluff real estate co

Real Estate
Behind the Bluff: A Journey with Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Agent Martin Roache

Martin’s Journey to Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Situated in the heart of Bluffton, South Carolina, Palmetto Bluff is more than just a community—it's a place of magic and wonder. For Martin Roache, a dedicated sales agent with the Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Com...

Dec 2024

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