Not exactly Peter Cottontail...

Upon driving home from dinner last evening, we saw a marsh rabbit nibbling on vegetation along the road that backs up into a marshy area off of Jarvis Creek.

The Marsh Rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris) is often forgotten as wildlife associated with the coastal region of the Lowcountry. These native rabbits are smaller and darker than their northern cousins, the Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and have small, rounded ears and lack the characteristic white, fluffy tail. Marsh rabbits are strong swimmers, making their nests along thick marshes and brackish water areas. Unfortunately, the rabbits have many predators and are always on alert for danger.

Be sure to keep an eye out for these adorable, but elusive mammals when traveling around the island.

Harbour Town

I love playing tourist when family visits. I get to look at Hilton Head with a different perspective than that of the routine, day-to-day happenings.



Spending the day and evening in Sea Pines Plantation, we had the opportunity to enjoy the sun setting around the famous red & white striped lighthouse in Harbour Town. It is quite a view and a must see when visiting Hilton Head Island.

Dolphin Encounter

While taking a leisurely boat ride on Broad Creek, Hilton Head Island a resident Atlantic Bottle-nosed Dolphin (Tursiops truncates) swam up to the boat. These incredible creatures are abundant in the coastal waters of Hilton Head and tend to be very friendly; often they are looking for food. It is against the law to feed or harass the dolphins or any other wildlife – although it is very hard not to jump in and “play” with them!

Survival

Not all is perfect and predictable in the world of nature; and often I am reminded of this harsh reality. Missing one foot, this seagull has possibly cheated death. Despite his disability, he has adapted amazingly well. Today, even the predictable scenery was anything but ordinary.

Harbor Seal Spotted On Hilton Head Island

The Island Packet is reporting this morning that a wayward harbor seal was spotted on the heel of Hilton Head Island on March 15, 2010.

This is extremely rare and the first seal spotting I have ever heard of on Hilton Head Island.

The story is accompanied by these captivating photographs.

Mitchellville Beach Park, Hilton Head Island, SC

On a relatively warmer day in January we took the opportunity to try my new Cannon EOS Rebel XS/1000D at a local beach park. We were lucky to find various shorebirds enjoying the low tide and managed a few good shots.

A personal favorite of mine are Sanderlings. These small little birds spend their time skittering along the sand and surf searching for food. Their fast movements make them a challenge to photograph but fun to watch!

One of the most graceful appearing birds in the water are Great Egrets. These snow white birds are a frequent site in Hilton Head, wading through marshes.

Looking forward to warmer days on Hilton Head Island and capturing nature in action!

South Beach Marina, August 2009