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.
Earth Day in the Backyard: Letting the Wild Feed the Birds
Explore backyard birds in spring through Earth Day field notes from Hilton Head Island, and see why native trees, caterpillars, and water matter more than seed for nesting birds—a lesson that holds true in backyards everywhere.
Read the Bird: Using the Shoreline to Frame Shorebirds
A field-based approach to shorebird photography at high tide—using shoreline layers, light, and a 70–200 lens to capture behavior, composition, and seasonal plumage.
Mother’s Day Gift Guide for Birders and Nature Lovers
Help the birder or nature-loving mom in your life feel seen with meaningful Mother’s Day gifts—from beginner-friendly binoculars and comfy sun-safe clothing to backyard birding setups and mindful outdoor experiences. Perfect for new birdwatchers, quiet observers, and anyone who finds grounding in time outside.
Meet the Orange-Alert Shorebirds of Hilton Head Island Part 2: Red Knot (A Species at a Tipping Point)
Discover Red Knots on Hilton Head Island during spring migration. Learn why this Orange Alert “tipping point” shorebird depends on Lowcountry mudflats to rest and refuel along the Atlantic Flyway.
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.
Japanese Aesthetics in Lowcountry Photography (Part 1): Wabi-Sabi and Impermanence
Wabi-sabi the Japanese art of impermanence transforms how you photograph shorebirds on Hilton Head Island. Marbled Godwits and Sanderlings in minimal coastal light.
Winter Visitors on the Pinckney Island NWR Ponds
This field-note birding walk on Pinckney Island NWR, from the Main Trail to Ibis, Starr, and Osprey Ponds, as winter birds settle in. Hooded Mergansers, American Coots, Pied-billed Grebes, cormorants, kingfishers, and small songbirds.
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 Anderson inspire birding and nature photography on Hilton Head Island.
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.
Spring Flight in Motion: Spotting the Signs of Bird Migration Along the South Carolina Coast
Every Spring, Red Knots, Dunlins and Black-bellied Plovers shift into breeding plumage on Hilton Head's beaches. Here's how to read the signs of Spring bird migration in the lowcountry,