Kiawah Island Nature Program

06/17/2026

Several shorebird species, including Wilson’s Plovers, Least Terns, Willets, and American Oystercatchers, are currently nesting on our beach at the east and west ends of the island. 🪺 These nests are particularly vulnerable, as the camouflaged eggs are laid directly in the sand. To protect these important colonies, our Town Biologists have clearly marked the nesting areas with bright yellow signs. We kindly ask that you respect all boundaries and observe from a distance. ⚠️

06/16/2026

This stunning Eastern Kingsnake is what biologists call ophiophagous. Think back to high‑school science: break the word apart and you can decode its meaning!

“Ophio” means snake, and “phagous” means eats — so this remarkable species is literally a snake eater. Eastern Kingsnakes prey on other snakes, including venomous pit vipers such as rattlesnakes and copperheads. 🐍

This beautiful snake was recently spotted by our naturalist Annie during a kayaking tour in the salt marsh off Mingo Point. A truly rare and special find!

06/14/2026

Kiawah Island Golf Resort Naturalists, Lifeguards, Security, and Recreation Staff—along with Kiawah CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Team)—supported the 2026 Swim Across America - Charleston-Kiawah charity swim both in the water and along the beach! 🌊💙

06/13/2026

Loggerhead Sea Turtle nest counts on Kiawah Island, as with all nesting beaches, vary significantly year to year. This variability is largely due to the considerable energy required for nesting, resulting in females laying eggs only once every two to four years. 🪺

Great news from our Turtle Patrol: Kiawah Island already has twice as many sea turtle nests as this time last year, and we’re on pace for our second biggest nesting season ever (just behind 2019’s impressive 574 nests!). Have you ever seen a sea turtle nesting on Kiawah? We’d love to hear your story below! 🐢

If you encounter a nesting Loggerhead, please observe responsibly by staying at least 50 feet away, remaining behind the turtle, and avoiding flashlights or cell phones to prevent disturbance. 🔦

Want to learn more about Kiawah’s Loggerhead Sea Turtles? Join our Naturalists for a Night Beach Walk: https://bit.ly/4usCcG8! While sightings are rare, our team shares incredible insights into how the island protects these extraordinary animals.

06/10/2026

This fledgling Chuck-will’s-widow, recently observed on Kiawah Island with its wings spread, may appear distressed, but this behavior is actually a specialized survival tactic.

When a fledgling—and sometimes even an adult—senses a potential threat, it may freeze in place and spread or lower its wings, occasionally raising its tail. This defensive posture can help deter predators by making the bird appear larger or more intimidating.

If you encounter a bird displaying this behavior, please give it plenty of space and move away slowly. Allowing the bird room to remain undisturbed helps it feel safe and reduces unnecessary stress.

06/06/2026

We are so grateful to Devon from Kiawah Island Golf Resort Landscaping for lending a helping hand to the Conservancy's living shoreline initiative! 🦪

Curious to see what our community is working on? Watch here: https://bit.ly/3RF9FQh.

06/05/2026

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” - John Muir 🌱

Beautiful Red-tailed Hawk captured by Captain John Ward at Mingo Point. ❤️

06/04/2026

If you have a passion for wildlife and an interest in exploring the marvels of nature, we recommend "Frogs & Toads of the Southeast" by Dr. Whit Gibbons. 🐸 This informative book is an excellent resource for nature lovers and herpetology enthusiasts alike.

⭐ Herpetological Review writes, “An exquisite book...on the herpetofauna of the southeastern United States...High-quality, clearly written, with an attractive layout...Has solid introductory information, detailed species descriptions, excellent range maps and color photographs, line drawings showing defining features, and a strong conservation message…”

Signed copies are now available online or in the Nature Center Shop at Night Heron Park!

Show off your distinctive style—and your love for Kiawah Island—with this Frogs & Toads of the Southeast emblazoned with the official logo.

06/03/2026

Taking a moment to slow down and enjoy the world around us can lead to some wonderful surprises! 🪶

While walking the pool deck at Night Heron Park, we spotted this gorgeous feather from a chuck-will-widow—a shy bird that prefers to come out at night. While most won’t encounter this little friend during the day, you can listen closely for its unique call in the park at night (it sounds a lot like its name, listen here: https://bit.ly/4uwol2z).

Don’t forget to unplug, breathe, and soak in the peace that nature brings! 🌱

06/02/2026

Oh deer! 🦌 Even our island friends want to join our kayaking tours. 🛶

Come join the herd and explore the salt marshes with our naturalists at Mingo Point. Visit our calendar of events to learn more: https://bit.ly/3kwGqJA