Conservation // 4 min Read

In the Field: Eye to the Sky

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Bird watching in January was fairly active compared to the unusually quiet December we experienced in 2020. Carolina chickadees, northern cardinals, and a variety of year-round species were observed this month.

Common seasonal residents included large flocks of double-crested cormorants at the lagoons, spotted sandpipers bobbing along the banks of Lake Bales, and lively yellow-rumped warblers darting through the wax myrtles.

Uncommon, but expected, visitors consisted of black-and-white warblers in River Road Preserve, American goldfinches around Moreland, and common loons spotted out on Corley’s Creek.

Lastly, and to much of our excitement, rare sightings involved a dazzling Baltimore oriole which frequented the Conservancy’s bird feeders, while an out-of-season painted bunting made an appearance around Moreland village.

January Spotted Birds
January spotted birds: Carolina Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Double-crested Cormorant, Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Goldfinch, Common Loon, Baltimore Oriole, Painted Bunting, Double-Crested Cormorant

Moving into February, we can expect activity to begin picking up with the spring migration arriving in March. Shorebirds will begin migrating in February, but many songbirds use this month to bulk up in preparation for their journey north.

American robins, cedar waxwings, and hermit thrushes may be seen eating the remaining berries from holly and cedar trees. White-eyed vireos and other resident species may begin singing to establish territories, and as we near the end of the month we should see the males of some species begin developing their breeding plumage for the nesting season.

Uncommon species to look out for this month include loggerhead shrikes prowling the open fields around Moreland and Cooper’s hawks may be more noticeable as they chase the more active songbirds.

February Birds
Birds to spot in February: American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Hermit Thrush, Loggerhead Shrike, Cooper’s Hawk, Spotted Sandpiper

For people looking to get involved in bird watching, February is the month of the Great Backyard Bird Count. This international citizen science project was initiated by Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society and will run from Friday, February 12th to Monday, February 15th. Participation only requires downloading the eBird app and submitting your bird sightings during these dates.

As we move through February, you may observe some of the birds mentioned above or listed on the February checklist below. If you see or photograph something you wish to share, you can submit your sightings to Aaron Palmieri at apalmieri@pbconservancy.org and they may appear in next month’s update.

February Bird Checklist
Click to open a printable version.
palmetto bluff real estate co

Real Estate
Behind the Bluff: A Journey with Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Agent Martin Roache

Martin’s Journey to Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Situated in the heart of Bluffton, South Carolina, Palmetto Bluff is more than just a community—it's a place of magic and wonder. For Martin Roache, a dedicated sales agent with the Palmetto Bluff Real Estate Com...

Dec 2024
fishing in the lowcountry

Sporting Life
Cast a Line: Guide to Fall & Winter Fishing in the Lowcountry

Fishing in the Lowcountry is a beloved pastime year-round, but fall and winter bring a unique charm to the waters of South Carolina. With cooler temperatures, serene surroundings, and the promise of a great catch, the autumn and winter months offer some of the...

Dec 2024

Culture
2024 Wrapped: Top 10 Unforgettable Moments at Palmetto Bluff

Tis’ the season for wrapping, and we have plenty of gifts to share from 2024! This year was filled with exciting new beginnings and continued growth at Palmetto Bluff. From two new golf courses to awards for both Montage Palmetto Bluff and FLOW...

Dec 2024

Architecture & Design
Holiday Home Decor: Southern Charm and Timeless Traditions

Photos courtesy of Leah Bailey DesignPhoto credit: Kelli Boyd PhotographyAs the holiday season descends upon the Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff becomes a festive haven, where classic Southern architecture meets personal style. Whether you prefer timeless elegance ...

Dec 2024

Food & Wine
From the Kitchen: Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Recipe

Executive Chef Beth Cosgrove and Registered Dietician Lindsay Ford recently led a Healthy Cooking Demonstration for residents interested in cooking healthy, delicious food to promote wellness. Attendees left with new recipes and flavors to try at home. The But...

Dec 2024

Sporting Life
4 Tips for Winterizing Your South Carolina Golf Game

Ways to Enhance Your Winter Golf Game Winter is quickly approaching, which means peak golf season is coming to an end. Although this is a slow time for golf, it doesn’t mean you can’t play or even enhance your game during this season. To keep your game in top...

Dec 2024

Architecture & Design
Rare Form

Photographs by Anne CaufmannStory by Barry Kaufman The story of this house begins with another.Mike and Melissa Pereyo first visited Palmetto Bluff in 2010 to visit longtime friends Butch and Debbie Floyd. The Floyds built their home here when the fringes of t...

Dec 2024
lowcountry christmas

Culture
5 Must-Do Holiday Events in the Lowcountry

How to Spend a Lowcountry Christmas at Palmetto Bluff There's no better way to start anticipating the holidays than by making plans to spend time with family and friends. Now that the holiday season has arrived, many look forward to embracing the Christmas sp...

Nov 2024
palmetto bluff homes for sale

Real Estate
Real Estate Spotlight: Montage Residences at Palmetto Bluff

Explore 130 August Lane at Montage Residences Nestled in the heart of the Lowcountry, the Montage Residences at Palmetto Bluff offer an unparalleled blend of elegance, exclusivity, and Southern charm. This private collection of homes sits amidst the lush land...

Nov 2024

Culture
6 Best Places to See Winter Wildlife in the Lowcountry

Experience Winter Wildlife This Season at Palmetto Bluff The Lowcountry is a wondrous place to live, not only for its breathtaking scenery and historical significance but also for the wildlife that inhabits it. Winter wildlife in South Carolina includes a wid...

Nov 2024

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us