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.
Mountain Moods: My Foreground is Air
Spending the summer about 1,500 feet above sea level between Ellijay and Blue Ridge, Georgia, I began photographing the same mountain bowl as weather and light transformed it from hour to hour. Looking toward the Rich Mountain country and northwest to the Cohutta Mountains, I watched towering clouds build, rain sweep across distant ridges, mist settle into the valleys, and thin bands of pink and gold reveal a sun hidden behind clouds. Eastern Towhees sing loudly well before sunrise and return to the treetops at sunset, while a small flock of American Goldfinches takes flight at the edges of the day—always together, never alone. Made with a Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan 100mm f/2.8 lens, these photographs place the mountains low in the frame so clouds, color, light, and atmosphere become the true subjects. This photo essay explores geography, weather, birdsong, and the creative choice to let air—not a conventional foreground—anchor the landscape.