Twitcher’s Patch: the Birding Blog of Hilton Head Island and Beyond
Welcome to Twitcher’s Patch—a blog where passionate birders (“twitchers”) and nature lovers can discover the magic of their favorite birdwatching spots (“patches”) across Hilton Head Island, the Lowcountry and beyond.
Twitcher’s Patch is where I share stories and observations from time spent watching birds on Hilton Head Island, throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry, and in places farther afield. A patch is more than a birding location—it is a place returned to often enough to recognize its birds, habitats, seasons, and changing rhythms.
Here you will find articles about bird behavior, migration, and breeding; photography techniques, creative practice, and ethics; habitat, weather, and conservation; birding places and journeys; and practical guides for spending more rewarding time in the field. Each story grows from firsthand observation and a commitment to respectful birding and wildlife photography.
Whether you are hoping to better understand what birds are doing, strengthen your photography, prepare for a birding outing, or experience a landscape through its wildlife, Twitcher’s Patch invites you to look more closely—one place, one bird, and one story at a time.
My Mother and the Crows
A simple bird bath on Hilton Head Island led to unexpected encounters with American Crows, revealing their intelligence and the joys of birdwatching in place.
Following the Tide: Whimbrels, Monkey Island, and Spring Migration in the ACE Basin
Experience spring migration in South Carolina’s ACE Basin on a sunrise boat trip to Otter Island and Morgan Island. Photograph Whimbrels, migrating shorebirds, rhesus monkeys, and smoky Lowcountry skies from the water.
White Ibis at Ibis Pond: Breeding Season at Pinckney Island
During breeding season, White Ibis gather in large nesting colonies across the South Carolina Lowcountry. In this post, I visit Ibis Pond at Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, where hundreds of White Ibis filled the palm hammock and understory beneath the palmettos. Alongside Little Blue Herons, Tricolored Herons, and Boat-tailed Grackles, the rookery was alive with movement, vocalizations, territorial behavior, and nesting activity. This post explores the experience of photographing and observing a Lowcountry rookery during peak breeding season.
Painted Bunting South Carolina: Season, Spots, and Field Notes from the Lowcountry
Where and when to find Painted Buntings in the Lowcountry - Coastal South Carolina — habitat, timing, Hilton Head field notes, and tips for seeing and photographing them.
Pointe of the Season: Witnessing Fall Bird Migration on Hilton Head Island
Late Summer Shorebird Migration in the Lowcountry: A Photographer’s Field Journal. Follow the pulse of migration on Hilton Head: field notes and photographs reveal shorebird and seabird species, their unique behaviors, and where to catch them during peak season.
Evening at the Rookery: Little Blue Heron Fledglings Take Center Stage
Discover the habitat and behavior of Little Blue Herons at a local rookery on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
The Winter Charm of the Hermit Thrush
Discover the Hermit Thrush, a winter visitor to Hilton Head Island. Learn about its unique migration patterns, nesting habits, and hauntingly beautiful song. Explore how this elusive bird thrives in the cooler months and why it holds a special place in backyard birding.
The Misunderstood Northern Mockingbird: A Closer Look
A closer look at the misunderstood Northern Mockingbirds.
Red-Eyed Herons: A Look at the Yellow-Crowned and Black-Crowned Night Herons
Learn how to identify Yellow-crowned Night Herons and Black-crowned Night Herons based on their appearance, vocalization foraging methods and habitat preferences. Both species of birds are present on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
South Carolina State Seabird: The Eastern Brown Pelican
The Eastern Brown Pelican is the new official seabird of the state of South Carolina.
The Underbelly of a Rookery
Discover the behavior and habitat of South Carolina's coastal rookeries - Great Egret - Snowy Egret - Green Heron - Night Herons - Ibis - Alligators
The Curious Case of the Female Flock
Birding Hilton Head Island: Female Red-Winged Blackbirds. When a large flock of female red-winged blackbirds frequented my backyard feeders I was curious why no males are among them.