August was the definition of “the dog days of summer.” Between the heat and rain, many of us grimaced anytime we had to leave the comfort of our air conditioning. Nonetheless, people were still out birdwatching and observing the seasonal shifts in activity. Tree swallows began popping up in the area, though it will be later in the migration that we witness their feathered storm. Hummingbird abundance also increased as the northern individuals started making their way through. Make sure to keep your hummingbird feeders clean and the nectar fresh! Meanwhile, immature raptors, such as Cooper’s and red-tailed hawks, were seen flying around flaunting their newfound independence.
We also received word of a leucistic bluebird that was spotted flying around Longfield stables. This bird is likely either Blanca or the fledgling from this past summer, but it is great to hear of any sightings of this fascinating mutation! And finally, the rattling calls of belted kingfishers, which are here year-round, returned to the marsh as they dispersed from their neighboring breeding habitat.
As we made our way through August, I was concerned that we may not see many of the early migrating warblers mentioned in last month’s post. Conservancy staff witnessed one yellow warbler, but the other species had gone undocumented. However, that all changed when we had a wonderful conversation with Dr. Ballance and Mrs. Watkins who were visiting Palmetto Bluff to relax and photograph wildlife. They had taken amazing photos of black-and-white warblers, yellow warblers, American redstarts, prairie warblers, and northern parulas along with many of our more common species seen around the Bluff. Among their collection of photographs, they also shared the first documentation of a blue-winged warbler at Palmetto Bluff, which made it our 213th bird species! To say this bird is rarely seen in Beaufort or Jasper County is an understatement. There are only 34 eBird records in our area, with some dating back as far as 1986, and most were documented in April or September. We hope the abundance of warblers the couple saw is a sign that we will have a fantastic migration!
Behind the Design with Jason Kimes & Leighann Markalunas In the heart of the Lowcountry, where the gentle sway of Spanish moss-laden trees meets the tranquil embrace of the coast, lies a unique community: Palmetto Bluff. Their approach to home design capt...
Your Pine-ness Cocktail Recipe Before delving into the ingredients and recipe for Buffalos’ delectable Ricotta Meatballs and Sauce, it is imperative that the chef has an excellent cocktail for cooking. Pairing the sweetness of pineapple with the woody flavo...
Coastal Palmetto Bluff Neighborhoods Palmetto Bluff, a private community nestled along the South Carolina coastline, presents a harmonious blend of luxurious living, recreational spaces, and a vibrant atmosphere. The meticulously designed Palmetto Bluff neigh...
Meet Captain Tom of Palmetto Bluff’s Wilson Landing In the tranquil embrace of Bluffton's Lowcountry, where rivers wind their way through nature's masterpiece, an extraordinary tale unfolds at Wilson Landing of Palmetto Bluff. The story belongs to Captain Th...
Your Guide to a Luxury Kitchen Design The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, where cherished memories are cooked up and shared. When it comes to Lowcountry living, a well-designed kitchen is not just a place to prepare meals but a space that encapsu...
10 Activities You Have to Cross Off Your Summer Bucket List While the days are long and the sun hangs high in the sky, summer offers a golden opportunity to create lasting memories and partake in a variety of thrilling activities. Before the cooler breeze of ...
Palmetto Bluff is an ecological wonderland, with its maritime forest and tidal rivers, its salt marsh and abundant wildlife. But perhaps one of the most unique features of this wedge of Lowcountry is the impressive inland waterway that wends through the landsc...
Plein Air Painting and Our August Artist in Residence Palmetto Bluff is a paradise for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and serene atmosphere. With that being said, the Bluff is the perfect canvas f...
5 Health Benefits of Coastal Living Did you know that life by the coast is not only the most idyllic way to live, but it also improves your health? All in all, coastal living is a rejuvenating experience for the mind, body, and soul. From the cool, salty bree...
Discover the Charm of the South Carolina Lowcountry Where history and nature intertwine with effortless grace, the South Carolina Lowcountry is a region that allures visitors and residents alike with its timeless beauty, enchanting landscapes, and diverse cul...
Learn about the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy and how we keep the vision of our land in place.
On land or water, there is an ever-evolving variety of activities.
We do not attempt to independently verify the currency, completeness, accuracy or authenticity of the data contained herein. All area measurements and calculations are approximate and should be independently verified. Data may be subject to transcription and transmission errors. Accordingly, the data is provided on an “as is” “as available” basis only and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market”. © [2023] REsides, Inc. All rights reserved. Certain information contained herein is derived from information, which is the licensed property of, and copyrighted by, REsides, Inc.