Being a birder during the fall migration typically results in spending my free time looking for migratory birds. While some people would not dream of being at work on their day off, Palmetto Bluff is one of my favorite places to go bird watching. One crisp Saturday morning, I decided to venture over to the Sandhill Loop Nature Trail. During the spring, it was an unexpected gold mine of warblers and I was curious if that would hold true during the fall. My wife joined me on this small adventure and, as we meandered down the trail, we observed many of the usual suspects. Cardinals, chickadees, wrens, and other common year-round species were included in the sights of that morning. We also saw a few summer tanagers fattening up on insects in preparation for their journey south.
We eventually completed the loop and returned back to the start of the trail. BUT, before walking across Old Palmetto Bluff Road, we began to see activity – a foraging flock led by a noisy tufted titmouse was moving across the canopy overhead. We checked off chickadees, a pair of red-bellied woodpeckers, brown-headed nuthatches…and then I spotted something else. A greenish crown caused me to freeze as I observed the bird’s barred wings, gray underside, and overall body shape. I realized I was looking at a chestnut-sided warbler! Wait a minute… What about the chestnut sides? We deduced it was most likely an immature individual as, unlike adults, they lack their namesake along with the elegant facial markings of mature males, but nonetheless I was ecstatic. Chestnut-sided warblers are only seen during migrations and the majority of eBird records for our area show them in the fall rather than the spring.
I brought it up to the other team members when I returned to work that week, and Jay mentioned he had not heard of this species being seen at the Bluff before. I later checked old bird survey data, as well as the list of birds seen at Palmetto Bluff, and found that they had not yet been documented. I happily checked off the chestnut-sided warbler and it became the 211th species of bird that has been documented at Palmetto Bluff. Situations like this are why I always encourage people to grab their binoculars and venture down our gorgeous nature trails because you never know what you will encounter!
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...
Aaron’s Journey to the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy In the heart of the Lowcountry, where lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems flourish, lies a hidden gem known as Palmetto Bluff. This breathtaking sanctuary serves as a haven for an array of wildlife, offer...
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.