Birdfeeder Bandit

Recently while visiting family in the Preserve at Indigo Run, we caught a beautiful white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus hiltonensis) feasting on bird seed from a birdfeeder that hangs from shepherds hook approximately 4 feet from the ground. Despite the fact that she could see us through the kitchen window, she was determined to get to the feeder and enjoy an easy meal. Apparently this was not the first time she has done this - however since emptying the feeder the other evening, the deer has not been back to see if any refills have been served!

Video clip of the Birdfeeder Bandit

Sea Turtle Nesting on Hilton Head Island

Great news for the local ecology! See "County sea turtle nests near record levels"

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)

Manatees in Hilton Head

Although I have never had the privilige of seeing a manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) in Hilton Head waters, these gentle and endangered creatures do make their way into Skull Creek and Broad Creek. They are slow moving and nonthreating which makes them vulnerable to injury from boats and other motorized watercraft. Kayaking is a great way to see wildlife that will not injure manatees or other animals and fish while exploring on the water!

Ocean conservation - TED Talks

Injured sea turtle found in May River

The South Carolina Sea Turtle Hospital reported the rescue of an injured Kemp's Ridley sea turtle in the May River in Bluffton, SC. The turtle was apparently struck by a boat causing damage to his carapace. "May" is currently recovering at the Turtle Hospital in Charleston, SC.

Kemp's Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) are smaller than their Loggerhead cousins and have a wide distribution area, however are most often found in the waters of Gulf of Mexico. Although unfortunate that the turtle was injured, it is interesting that he was found in these waters.

Botany 101

Last weekend we went for a walk along the Folly on the beach and came across an interesting and abundant plant along the edge of the water. Bushy seaside tansy (Borrichia frutescens) is a common sea-coast or salt marsh shrub that grows in the sandy dunes and is tolerant of the “salty soil.” Thanks to Dr Hill with the SC Native Plant Society for helping me identify this plant.

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.