WILDLIFE ON KIAWAH ISLAND

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

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Wilson's plovers, least terns, and American oystercatchers attempted to nest on the eastern end of the beach.  At this time, it appears as if all tern and oystercatcher nests have been abandoned or destroyed, likely by predators.  Wilson's plovers faired much better and lots of plover chicks have been observed.

 

 

Wilson's plovers and least terns are currently nesting on the western end of the beach.  There are approximately 20-25 least tern nests and 4-5 Wilson's plover nests.  Biologists are currently monitoring nesting success in this area.

 

Nest Monitoring Update (July 9, 2010)

 

4 new least tern nests were found on July 9.  One of the nests marked back in late June was relocated and had 2 chicks in it.  Nest monitoring efforts will continue until all nesting activies have been completed. 

 

 

Least terns, Wilson’s plovers, American oystercatchers, and black skimmers will be monitored for breeding success on the east and west end of Kiawah Island.  Starting in 2010, we will be conducting some basic monitoring techniques to get an idea of how successful the beach-nesting birds are.  Nests will be searched and marked very discretely with tongue depressors.  When a nest is found, we will use egg floatation to estimate the incubation stage of each nest.  Nests will then be monitored remotely using a spotting scope periodically until the eggs have hatched, chicks have fledged or a nest is suspected of being depredated or abandoned. If a nest is depredated or abandoned we will try to determine the cause (e.g. predator, over-wash, etc.).

 

NEW Wildlife Video Gallery

 

NEW Answers to frequently asked questions about wildlife on Kiawah