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.
Beneath So Kind a Sky: Edith Inglesby’s Summer in the Lowcountry
Discover the 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.
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
Central Florida Birding Part 4: The Roseate Spoonbills of Stick Marsh
Discover Stick Marsh in central Florida—a birding hotspot and rookery for Roseate Spoonbills, herons, and egrets. Learn about its unique history, location, and why it’s a must-visit for wildlife photographers and nature lovers.
Central Florida Birding Part 3: The Snail Kites of Lake Kissimmee
Discover the feeding behavior of endangered Snail Kites at Lake Kissimmee, Florida. Learn how these rare raptors hunt apple snails, spot other birdlife along Joe Overstreet Road, and find tips for birdwatching in one of Florida’s top birding hotspots.
Central Florida Birding Part 2: The Ospreys of Blue Cypress Lake
Discover what it’s like to birdwatch and photograph Ospreys at Blue Cypress Lake, Florida’s top spot for nesting raptors. Learn about osprey behavior, the best times to visit, and tips for exploring this unique lake by boat.
Central Florida Birding Part 1: Where the Seminole Wind Still Blows — A Historical and Geographic Overview of Central Florida’s Birding Heartland
Explore birding in central Florida with this historical and geographic overview of the Blue Cypress Lake, Lake Kissimmee, Stick Marsh, and Fellsmere region. Discover the area’s rich Seminole heritage, iconic Florida Cracker cattle, and why these isolated wetlands and prairies are a birding paradise.
If You Look, You Will See: Roadside Birding and the Power of Adaptation
Roadside birding from Hilton Head Island, SC to Sugarloaf Key, Florida. List of variety of birds and habitats.
From Ospreys nesting on light poles to Roseate Spoonbills flying above the interstate, these birds prove that wildlife can adapt and thrive in the most unexpected places.
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,
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.
Gray Days, Colorful Birds: Photographing Shorebirds in Mist and Fog
Photography tips on capturing shorebirds like Black Skimmers on gray days. Learn how to make the most of overcast skies to highlight vivid colors, enhance feather details, and create stunning bird images. Discover techniques for adjusting camera settings, composing with intention, and using selective masking in post-processing for a polished final image.
A Winter Walk Through Pinckney Island NWR
Discover Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge in winter. From soaring white pelicans to quiet marsh dwellers, experience the seasonal transition before the vibrant rookery nesting season begins in March.
Mindful Birding in the Lowcountry: An Attentive Practice on Hilton Head Island
Explore mindful birding as a powerful nature-based practice for reducing stress and improving mental well-being. This guide shares how to create a sit spot, observe bird behavior, and connect with the rhythms of the Lowcountry through attentive birding on Hilton Head Island.
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.
Colombia Birding Part 3: Dona Dora
Explore the birding at Doña Dora’s sanctuary in Colombia’s Pacific Cloud Forest. From the iconic Toucan Barbet to hummingbirds, discover rare species, vibrant nature, and warm hospitality.
Colombia Birding Part 2: The Fincas
Explore Colombia birdwatching in the Western Andes. Fincas: Araucana Lodge, La Florida, San Felipe. - Mot Mot - Hummingbirds - Barbet - Tanagers - Finches - Quail
Colombia Birding Part 1: The Cali-Buenaventura Road
Explore the Pacific slope of the Andes in Colombia, from Cali’s vibrant streets to rustic fincas. Discover cool mountain air, rich biodiversity, and unforgettable birding adventures at Araucana Lodge and beyond.
Tides, Winds, and Egrets: A Post-Hurricane Marsh Experience
After Hurricane Milton passed offshore, I found myself immersed in a rare, up-close encounter with two egrets feeding in a storm-swept marsh. As the tide receded, Snowy and Great Egrets feasted on large shrimp, pushed inland by the surge, circling just feet from my lens. In 'Tides, Winds, and Egrets: A Post-Hurricane Marsh Experience,' I share the stunning details of this unforgettable moment in nature.
A Desert Dawn: Birdwatching at First Light
Explore birding at dawn in the high desert of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona.fAcorn Woodpeckers in Flagstaff to the quiet solitude of Moab's ravens. Join me on a photographic adventure through breathtaking landscapes and diverse birdlife, capturing the essence of the Southwest.
Shelter from the Storm: Shorebirds, Seabirds and more
During Tropical Storm Debby, shorebirds on Hilton Head Island huddled together for shelter, with smaller species like dunlins and least sandpipers using larger birds as windbreaks. Early migrants such as whimbrels and marbled godwits were found among the flocks, highlighting the start of shorebird migration in mid-August. Seabirds, including four species of terns and Black Skimmers, also sought refuge in the marshes, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of coastal wildlife during extreme weather.
The Misunderstood Northern Mockingbird: A Closer Look
A closer look at the misunderstood Northern Mockingbirds.