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.
Here, you’ll find stories, tips, and field notes inspired by the region’s extraordinary diversity—over 330 bird species thrive in habitats ranging from sandy beaches and lush forests to protected wetlands and vibrant marshes. Whether you’re searching for the perfect shot, planning your next birding adventure, or simply curious about the unique charm of Lowcountry wildlife, this blog is your guide to unforgettable experiences, ethical birding, and creative photography in one of America’s premier birding destinations.
You’ll also find tales from my birding travels beyond the Lowcountry, as I seek out new species and inspiring landscapes across the country.
Let’s explore the wonders of Hilton Head and beyond—one patch, one bird, and one story at a time.
Meet the Orange-Alert Shorebirds of Hilton Head Island Part 1: Black-bellied Plover
Discover the Black-bellied Plover on Hilton Head Island—how to identify it through the seasons, where it migrates from in the high Arctic, and what it feeds on along our local mudflats. This photo-led field note also explains why this species is now listed as an Orange Alert “Tipping Point” bird in the 2025 State of the Birds report and how beachgoers can help protect it.
Winter Visitors on the Pinckney Island NWR Ponds
Discover winter birding on Pinckney Island NWR’s Ibis, Starr, and Osprey Ponds, where mergansers, coots, grebes, and songbirds gather in the Lowcountry area around Hilton Head Island.
Heahflod
A coastal field account from Hilton Head Island’s Port Royal Sound at high tide, featuring direct observations of shorebird behavior in a dynamic marsh environment. Describes Least Sandpiper foraging among marsh grasses and pluff mud, Black Skimmers and gulls shifting feeding and roosting sites with the tides, and White Ibis preening and foraging. Explores how tides shape shorebird movements, connect shoreline habitats, and reveal the interconnectedness of the coastal ecosystem—all recorded during calm November high tide conditions.
In the Footsteps of Walter Anderson: Art, Color, Shorebirds and Seabirds on the Port Royal Sound
Explore how the vibrant coastal art and journals of Walter Inglis Anderson inspire birding and nature photography on Hilton Head Island and Port Royal Sound. Learn about shorebird sunrise rituals, the legacy of the Walter Anderson Museum, and discover how the barrier islands connect art, Hilton Head birdwatching, and Gulf Coast migration stories.
Pointe of the Season: Witnessing Fall 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.
Beneath So Kind a Sky: Edith Inglesby’s Summer in the Lowcountry
Discover the poetic nature writing of Edith Inglesby in her 1968 book, A Corner of Carolina: The Four Seasons in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort and Bluffton. Explore her vivid summer chapter, “Beneath So Kind a Sky,” and learn about her life, literary style, and the birds of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Spring Flight in Motion: Spotting the Signs of Migration Along the Coast
Discover the signs of spring bird migration in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Learn how to spot red knots, dunlins, and black-bellied plovers as they shift into breeding plumage. Download a free guide to bird migration and explore why our region is vital to millions of migrating birds.