WILDLIFE ON KIAWAH ISLAND

*  January 29, 2010  -  The flock of redheads continues to be seen daily at Ibis Pond.  The flock has swelled to 50-60 birds and they have been joined by 20-25 ruddy ducks in recent weeks.  A group of ruddy ducks is also present at Willet Pond.

 

*  December 17, 2009  -  A flock of 40 redheads was seen in Ibis pond today.  This is the largest group of redheads we have seen on the island in more than 6-8 years.  Stop by and take a look if you get a chance. 

 

*  December 14, 2009  -  A flock of 6 northern shovelers was spotted on the east end of Kiawah's beach in the saltwater lagoon.  Shovelers are relatively common winter visitors to South Carolina though this is the first sighting on Kiawah Island in a number of years.  Shovelers are often called "spoonbills" for their large, rounded bill that resembles a spoon.  They feed mainly on invertebrates.

 

*  December 14, 2009  -  A banded red knot was sighted on Kiawah's beach today.  The numbered flag on the bird determined that it was originally banded in Stone Harbor Point, NJ on November 21, 2006.  Keep an eye out for flagged red knots and other shorebirds.  Sightings can be reported and resighting information can be viewed by clicking  here.

 

*  December 14, 2009  -  The scaup have finally arrived in large numbers.  Several thousand scaup were seen in the ocean today between the Beach Club and Sanctuary Hotel. 

 

*  November 4, 2009  -  Several flocks of ducks were spotted over the ocean today.  A flock of ruddy ducks was seen about mid-island and 4-5 flocks of sea ducks (most likely black scoters) were seen moving up and down the island about 1/2 mile offshore.  These are the first sightings of the fall for these species.  Numbers of sea ducks will slowly increase during the fall and typically peak in December-February.  Keep an eye to the ocean and a pair of binoculars handy to see these birds.

 

 

 

 

Town of Kiawah Island
21 Beachwalker Drive
Kiawah Island, SC 29455
(843) 768-9166

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NEW February 2010 Bird Banding

 

NEW January 2010 Bird Banding

 

 

 

 

 

 

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