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.

December’s Frosty Glow: Birding at Donnelley WMA and Beyond
Birding Places and Journeys Patricia Kappmeyer Birding Places and Journeys Patricia Kappmeyer

December’s Frosty Glow: Birding at Donnelley WMA and Beyond

Experience the beauty of winter birding in the Lowcountry at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, Bear Island’s Mary’s Pond, and the Bailey Road Impoundments. Discover over 30 bird species, including Bald Eagles, White Pelicans, and Great Egrets, against a backdrop of frost-covered marshes and golden dawn hues. Capture the magic of foggy ponds, vibrant winter landscapes, and rare sightings like Roseate Spoonbills and Wood Ducks. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers, this frosty birding adventure highlights the breathtaking wildlife and scenery of South Carolina’s wetlands.

Read More
A Fleeting Moment in the Eye of a Bird Photographer
Creative Techniques and Ethics Patricia Kappmeyer Creative Techniques and Ethics Patricia Kappmeyer

A Fleeting Moment in the Eye of a Bird Photographer

A "fleeting moment" refers to a very brief period of time that passes quickly and often unexpectedly. It is a transient, ephemeral instance that is over almost as soon as it begins, making it memorable and often significant because of its brevity. Fleeting moments are often cherished or noted for their beauty, rarity, or emotional impact, highlighting the impermanence and preciousness of certain experiences.

Read More