Conservation // 6 min Read

In the Field: July Eye to the Sky

Written by Palmetto Bluff

Throughout May and June, my eyes were not to the sky as my wife and I were busy welcoming our own little songbird into the world. Thankfully, we had residents and researchers who observed the busy bird life around Palmetto Bluff during the early summer months.

The global big day is an international citizen science event run through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that occurs in May, at the peak of spring migration. This year’s count was on May 14th, and it rewarded us with yellow-billed cuckoos, great horned owls, a bobolink, and the first hairy woodpecker documented at the Bluff in roughly ten years!

May was also the initiation of a new collaboration between the Conservancy and the Avian Research and Conservation Institute. This long-term study is looking at bird communities at Palmetto Bluff and will eventually expand to include bat and insect communities. If you are interested in learning more about this program, you can reach out to Lydia Moore at lmoore@pbconservancy.org for more details.

With only two months under our belt, there have already been some fantastic sightings during the surveys! Hooded warblers, orchard orioles, and yellow-breasted chats had not been documented at the Bluff since the old bird surveys conducted in the 2000s. A broad-winged hawk was observed, which is a migratory species that had not been seen at Palmetto Bluff in 11 years. Other species of note included indigo buntings, ovenbirds, loggerhead shrikes, Mississippi kites, and a least bittern.

Outside of research and citizen science, we were happy to hear about some of the other sightings throughout the Bluff. Roseate spoonbills returned in June after disappearing back in February. Spoonbills are becoming more of a year-round presence in South Carolina. Originally, the range for spoonbills was restricted to Florida and they have slowly been expanding northward. Fifteen years ago, a single spoonbill seen in South Carolina would have put every birder into a frenzy, now it is more of a normalcy. Black-bellied whistling-ducks are spending time along the Inland Waterway and making occasional visits to the ponds in May River Forest. What made me ecstatic these past few months was hearing that a leucistic bluebird was sighted again at the Bluff! This time, the white bird was seen at Longfield Stables, flying around the paddocks. I have no clue if this individual is “Blanca,” the leucistic juvenile seen in 2021, or a third individual calling Palmetto Bluff home. Regardless, I am glad to see them still around!

Black Bellied Whistling Duck
Black Bellied Whistling Ducks photographed by Bob Dale

The breeding season is still going strong, but it will begin to dwindle soon. Juvenile cardinals can be seen bouncing around the woods. They have drab, brown plumage and gray beaks compared to the iconic orange beaks of the adults. Some bluebirds will be laying their last clutch of eggs as we approach the hottest part of the year. Last year, the Conservancy bluebird nest boxes seemed to have a lower hatch rate during the latter part of the breeding season, so I am curious if we will see a similar trend this year. This breeding season, the Conservancy launched a study looking at whether temperature affects hatching success in bluebird nest boxes. We are excited to see the outcome of this year’s dataset, but this project will provide better answers once we have multiple years of temperature data.

Eastern Screech Owl with Eggs
Eastern Screech Owl with Eggs

Eastern Screech Owl with Chick
Eastern Screech Owl with Chick

With July being the tail end of the breeding season, individuals finished with raising young will shift their focus to bulking up for the fall migration. While the official start of the migration is not until September, some species begin flying south as early as August (and even July)! Louisiana waterthrushes are one species that begin heading south in the middle of summer and are almost finished migrating by the time of the official fall migration. Louisiana waterthrushes, and northern waterthrushes have yet to be documented at Palmetto Bluff, so hopefully this year will be the year that we can add them to the list!

Have you seen a bird that looks familiar, but its plumage or coloration is a little off? It could be a juvenile! 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!

May & June’s Unique Sightings:

  • Roseate Spoonbill (Moreland Ponds)

  • Cooper’s Hawk (May River Forest, Camp 8 Neighborhood, River Road Neighborhood)

  • Yellow-crowned Night Heron (May River)

  • Barred Owl (South Wilson)

  • Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (River Road Neighborhood, May River Forest, monthly bird surveys)

  • Leucistic Bluebird (Longfield Stables)

  • Cattle Egret (May River Forest)

  • Bonaparte’s Gull (bird surveys)

  • Least Bittern (bird surveys)

  • Swallow-tailed Kite (bird surveys)

  • Mississippi Kite (bird surveys)

  • Hairy Woodpecker (bird surveys)

  • Yellow-breasted Chat (bird surveys)

  • Bobolink (bird surveys)

  • Orchard Oriole (bird surveys)

  • Hooded Warbler (bird surveys)


May & June Contributors:

Bruce Becker, Gina & Alan Kent, Mariah Hryniewich, Carol Ann & Greg Wilson, Karen Meyer, Bob Dale, Sharon Pepe, Annie Kosh, Ronald Sutherland

Conservation
Songbirds of Spring

As April approaches the promise of spring is unmistakable here at the Bluff, especially for bird enthusiasts. Above us, migratory flocks signal the start of a new season. Northern parulas, often among the first to migrate, arrive early in March. Their song—a r...

Mar 2025

Club Life
Pilates Reformers: Forming New Ways to Stay Fit

Palmetto Bluff's Fitness and Wellness team keeps residents energized by introducing innovative equipment like the Pilates reformer. As part of the exclusive wellness amenities available to residents, this versatile machine features a sliding carriage, resistan...

Mar 2025
moreland village

Real Estate
Real Estate Spotlight: Moreland Village Homes

Explore All Moreland Village Has to Offer at Palmetto Bluff Moreland Village at Palmetto Bluff offers a rare blend of Lowcountry charm, modern amenities, and a deep connection to nature. Surrounded by the serene waters of the Inland Waterway, the New River, a...

Feb 2025
lowcountry housing trends 2025

Real Estate
Lowcountry Housing Trends & Market Updates of 2025

Real Estate in Bluffton, SC: Trends, Updates, and Insights As we step into 2025, the South Carolina housing market continues to shift and evolve, with Palmetto Bluff standing out as a premier destination for luxury and Lowcountry living. With a record-setting...

Feb 2025
palmetto bluff activities

Sporting Life
Sticking to Your New Year Resolutions: How to Stay Active at The Bluff

Create Lasting Habits With These 6 Palmetto Bluff Activities As the new year sets in, many of us find ourselves determined to stick to those resolutions we set just a few weeks ago. Whether it's getting fit, staying active, or embracing a healthier lifestyle,...

Feb 2025

Real Estate
Pattern Play: Wallpaper and Tile Take Center Stage

Gone are the days of whitewashed walls and neutral greys; patterned wallpaper and tile are making a comeback in the interior design world in a big way. Around Palmetto Bluff, the trend (or tradition, according to some) offers surprising details and delightful ...

Feb 2025

Conservation
Three Can't-Miss Conservancy Events

The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy is starting 2025 off with a calendar full of exciting educational events and workshops. At the Bluff, we are lucky to have an abundance of programming for both members and the public. We asked Outreach & Education Manager Aar...

Feb 2025

Artist in Residence
Sewing Sweetgrass

On a warm summer afternoon in Moreland Village, light streams in the windows of the Conservancy classroom as Michael Smalls and Dino Badger lay out bunches of sweetgrass and curling palmetto fronds. The workshop today is part of The Arts Initiative at Palmetto...

Jan 2025
bluffton south carolina upcoming events

Club Life
9 Can’t-Miss 2025 Events in the Lowcountry

2025 Events Near Palmetto Bluff Positioned in the heart of the Lowcountry, Palmetto Bluff stands as a beacon of coastal elegance, offering an unparalleled blend of luxurious living and unforgettable events that capture the essence of this charming region. In ...

Jan 2025
james swift, director of golf at palmetto bluff

Sporting Life
Behind the Bluff with Director of Golf: James Swift

James’ Journey to Palmetto Bluff At Palmetto Bluff, golf is more than a sport—it's an experience deeply rooted in the Lowcountry's natural beauty and unique culture. James Swift, the Director of Golf, brings a lifetime of dedication and passion to this except...

Jan 2025

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