Amazing Uninhabited Island
Pritchards Island is just southwest of Fripp and is only accessible by boat. This uninhabited island is owned by the University of South Carolina which conducts research on the island and welcomes daily visitors who enjoy strolling along the beaches and enjoying the barrier island's wildlife and tranquility.
Atlanta businessman Philip Rhodes donated the 1,600 acre island to the University of South Carolina in 1983 with the condition it not be developed commercially but rather used for coastal research. Students would stay in the "old stilt house", the Rhodes Research Center, while studying the ecosystems on the island and managing the preservation of the loggerhead sea turtles that nest on the island. The island is still managed by USCB and is used for education, conservation and research purposes by the University, other state institutions, and the general public.
In October of 2022, the abandoned research lab was removed, section by section, and hauled off on a barge.
For several years, the Beaufort County Arts Council collaborated with USCB to hold an annual artist retreat on Pritchards. Each artist was required to provide a piece of art that became the Pritchards Island Collection.
That collection now hangs in the library at the Hilton Head Gateway campus. (Source: Island Packet 2015)
If you're looking for an adventure, visit Pritchards by kayak or canoe. The Fripp Island Resort offers guided canoe trips that launch off the beach behind the Cabana Club. It's a great way to safely navigate the swift current that runs through Skull Inlet and learn more about the barrier islands. Contact the Activity Center for more information and reservations.
If you're ready to head out on your own, you can check tides and head over in your kayak or canoe. Single and tandem kayaks are also available to rent at Island Excursions. Once you get to Pritchards, you'll enjoy the peace and quiet of the island while strolling, shelling and exploring.
One of Beaufort County's most nested beaches, Pritchards Island is host to Loggerhead Sea Turtles between May and October. A group of dedicated volunteers patrol the island during nesting season to protect, mark and even relocate nests when necessary. Learn more about loggerheads - they're truly amazing!
Pritchards Island is host to both shorebirds and seabirds throughout most of the year - in the summer for nesting, and as a rest and refuel layover during their epic spring and fall migrations.
Nests are laid in shallow scrapes in the sand that blend in very well to their surroundings. While raising their young in the summer, it is imperative that adult birds keep eggs and chicks shaded to prevent predation and overheating in the summer sun, like the Least Tern is doing in this photo.
With North American shorebird and seabird populations in steep decline from habitat loss, predation and human disturbance, every piece of natural habitat remaining is critical for their survival. Help us protect these birds while enjoying the beach by keeping these actions in mind:
- Walk around flocks of birds, not through them, so they can rest and feed
- Respect signage on the beach indicating where birds are nesting and/or resting
- Leash your dog near birds, because even friendly dogs look like predators to them
There's lots to learn about birds in the Lowcountry - there are hundreds of different species to be found. Thank you for helping to protect our local wildlife!
Least Tern providing shelter to its 2 day old chick earlier today. July 5, 2021. Ocean County, NJ. 🇺🇸 🐣 #leasttern #audubonsociety #birds #birdsofinstagram #best_bird_shots #best_birds_of_ig #best_birds_planet #best_birds_of_world #photographyinmyframe #oceanvirals #allkindsofmagic #allkindsofnature #jshn #nj #newjersey #sharetheshore #audbonsociety #earthfocus #featured_wildlife #global_creatives #planetbirds #zcreators #nikonz7ii #shorebirds #whatschirping #animal_elite #macro_perfection #macro_brilliance #birdsonearth #birds_adored
Least Tern providing shelter to its 2 day old chick earlier today. July 5, 2021. Ocean County, NJ. 🇺🇸 🐣 #leasttern #audubonsociety #birds #birdsofinstagram #best_bird_shots #best_birds_of_ig #best_birds_planet #best_birds_of_world #photographyinmyframe #oceanvirals #allkindsofmagic #allkindsofnature #jshn #nj #newjersey #sharetheshore #audbonsociety #earthfocus #featured_wildlife #global_creatives #planetbirds #zcreators #nikonz7ii #shorebirds #whatschirping #animal_elite #macro_perfection #macro_brilliance #birdsonearth #birds_adored
“Sunday Scaries” - I have been after this shot for 3 summers & after many close calls I was finally able to check it off this weekend. When least tern chicks are getting food delivery they will emerge from the cover of their parents like their hair is on fire. Most of the time they run to the left or right or it’s too far away for a good photo. However, this time the adult flew in from behind me and the chick ran right towards my lens allowing me to isolate it with a good clean background. ✅ #leasttern #earthcapture #natgeoyourshot #audubonsociety #birds #birdsofinstagram #best_bird_shots #best_birds_of_ig #best_birds_planet #best_birds_of_world #photographyinmyframe #oceanvirals #allkindsofmagic #allkindsofnature #jshn #newjersey #sharetheshore #audbonsociety #earthfocus #featured_wildlife #global_creatives #planetbirds #shorebirds #whatschirping #animal_elite #macro_perfection #macro_brilliance #birdsonearth #birds_adored #bbcwildlifepotd
“Sunday Scaries” - I have been after this shot for 3 summers & after many close calls I was finally able to check it off this weekend. When least tern chicks are getting food delivery they will emerge from the cover of their parents like their hair is on fire. Most of the time they run to the left or right or it’s too far away for a good photo. However, this time the adult flew in from behind me and the chick ran right towards my lens allowing me to isolate it with a good clean background. ✅ #leasttern #earthcapture #natgeoyourshot #audubonsociety #birds #birdsofinstagram #best_bird_shots #best_birds_of_ig #best_birds_planet #best_birds_of_world #photographyinmyframe #oceanvirals #allkindsofmagic #allkindsofnature #jshn #newjersey #sharetheshore #audbonsociety #earthfocus #featured_wildlife #global_creatives #planetbirds #shorebirds #whatschirping #animal_elite #macro_perfection #macro_brilliance #birdsonearth #birds_adored #bbcwildlifepotd
Least Tern furballs
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#leasttern #sharetheshore
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#suraj_ramamurthy
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#nuts_about_birds #nuts_about_wildlife #your_best_birds #planetbirds #bb_of_ig #best_birds_of_ig #best_birds_of_world #best_bird_shots #best_birds_planet #natgeoyourshot #bbcearth #nikonusa #aububonsociety #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #birds_captures #birds_illife #birds_private #raw_birds
Least Tern furballs
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#leasttern #sharetheshore
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#suraj_ramamurthy
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#nuts_about_birds #nuts_about_wildlife #your_best_birds #planetbirds #bb_of_ig #best_birds_of_ig #best_birds_of_world #best_bird_shots #best_birds_planet #natgeoyourshot #bbcearth #nikonusa #aububonsociety #eye_spy_birds #feather_perfection #birds_captures #birds_illife #birds_private #raw_birds
Newborn Least Tern struggling to get down its breakfast. Sunrise - July 2021 in theoceancounty NJ. #leasttern #audubonsociety #birds #birdsofinstagram #best_bird_shots #best_birds_of_ig #best_birds_planet #best_birds_of_world #photographyinmyframe #oceanvirals #allkindsofmagic #allkindsofnature #jshn #nj #newjersey #sharetheshore #audbonsociety #earthfocus #featured_wildlife #global_creatives #planetbirds #shorebirds #whatschirping #animal_elite #macro_perfection #macro_brilliance #birdsonearth #birds_adored #natgeo
Newborn Least Tern struggling to get down its breakfast. Sunrise - July 2021 in theoceancounty NJ. #leasttern #audubonsociety #birds #birdsofinstagram #best_bird_shots #best_birds_of_ig #best_birds_planet #best_birds_of_world #photographyinmyframe #oceanvirals #allkindsofmagic #allkindsofnature #jshn #nj #newjersey #sharetheshore #audbonsociety #earthfocus #featured_wildlife #global_creatives #planetbirds #shorebirds #whatschirping #animal_elite #macro_perfection #macro_brilliance #birdsonearth #birds_adored #natgeo
It`s Save a Shorebird Saturday! ❤️
Please consider making a donation to support New York City Plover Project`s mission to protect these wonderful birds that nest on some of NYC`s busiest beaches every summer.
Piping Plovers are endangered in New York State. You can help us help them by making a donation using the link in my bio.
Every dollar counts! Thank you so much. ❤️❤️❤️
#pipingplover #pipl #conservation #birds #birdsofinstagram #beachbirds #sharetheshore #pleasedonate #savethebirds #protecttheplovers #birdwatching #birding #beach #birdsofnyc #nycbirds #nyc #therockaways #nycploverproject #doitforthebirds #ploverlover
It`s Save a Shorebird Saturday! ❤️
Please consider making a donation to support New York City Plover Project`s mission to protect these wonderful birds that nest on some of NYC`s busiest beaches every summer.
Piping Plovers are endangered in New York State. You can help us help them by making a donation using the link in my bio.
Every dollar counts! Thank you so much. ❤️❤️❤️
#pipingplover #pipl #conservation #birds #birdsofinstagram #beachbirds #sharetheshore #pleasedonate #savethebirds #protecttheplovers #birdwatching #birding #beach #birdsofnyc #nycbirds #nyc #therockaways #nycploverproject #doitforthebirds #ploverlover
Going to the beach soon? 🏖️ Birds that nest on beaches and other coastal habitats face many challenges, like human development, storms, and sea-level rise. That`s why it`s so important to help protect coastal birds by giving them the space they need to nest, rest, and feed.
And now you can inspire others to #ShareTheShore with our new merch, available for a limited time only.
Tap the link in our bio to choose your favorite product—from tote bags to towels and more—all purchases will support Audubon’s conservation work.
1️⃣ A Laughing Gull peers at a Share the Shore tote bag.
2️⃣ A Share the Shore beach towel on the sand.
3️⃣ A Share the Shore tote bag hanging on rocks on the beach
All 📷: Nancy Borowick (nancyborowick)
Going to the beach soon? 🏖️ Birds that nest on beaches and other coastal habitats face many challenges, like human development, storms, and sea-level rise. That`s why it`s so important to help protect coastal birds by giving them the space they need to nest, rest, and feed.
And now you can inspire others to #ShareTheShore with our new merch, available for a limited time only.
Tap the link in our bio to choose your favorite product—from tote bags to towels and more—all purchases will support Audubon’s conservation work.
1️⃣ A Laughing Gull peers at a Share the Shore tote bag.
2️⃣ A Share the Shore beach towel on the sand.
3️⃣ A Share the Shore tote bag hanging on rocks on the beach
All 📷: Nancy Borowick (nancyborowick)
Roseate Spoonbill~ Platalea ajaja
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f/4, 1/4000, ISO160, 400mm
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#roseatespoonbill #wadingbirds #birds_captures #raw_birds #birds_nature #bird_brilliance #birdphotography #birdsofinstagram #birdsonearth #birds_perfection #nature_brilliance #planetbirds #eye_spy_birds #birdlife #birdstagram #wildplanet #bestbirdshots #best_birds_of_ig #birdsfreaks #birdselite #total_birds #InstaBirds #BirdOfTheDay #yourshotphotographer #audubonsociety #sharetheshore #sanibelisland
Roseate Spoonbill~ Platalea ajaja
••
f/4, 1/4000, ISO160, 400mm
••
#roseatespoonbill #wadingbirds #birds_captures #raw_birds #birds_nature #bird_brilliance #birdphotography #birdsofinstagram #birdsonearth #birds_perfection #nature_brilliance #planetbirds #eye_spy_birds #birdlife #birdstagram #wildplanet #bestbirdshots #best_birds_of_ig #birdsfreaks #birdselite #total_birds #InstaBirds #BirdOfTheDay #yourshotphotographer #audubonsociety #sharetheshore #sanibelisland
If you’ve posted up at the inlet this summer I’m sure you’ve heard this guy coming and going. He certainly makes his presence known. American Oystercatcher - Manasquan Inlet, July 2021. #oystercatcher #americanoystercatcher #birds #birdsofinstagram #best_bird_shots #best_birds_of_ig #best_birds_planet #best_birds_of_world #macro_perfection #photographyinmyframe #oceanvirals #allkindsofmagic #allkindsofnature #jshn #nj #newjersey #sharetheshore #audbonsociety #earthfocus #featured_wildlife #global_creatives #planetbirds #shorebirds #whatschirping #animal_elite #macro_brilliance #birdsonearth #birds_adored #natgeoyourshot
If you’ve posted up at the inlet this summer I’m sure you’ve heard this guy coming and going. He certainly makes his presence known. American Oystercatcher - Manasquan Inlet, July 2021. #oystercatcher #americanoystercatcher #birds #birdsofinstagram #best_bird_shots #best_birds_of_ig #best_birds_planet #best_birds_of_world #macro_perfection #photographyinmyframe #oceanvirals #allkindsofmagic #allkindsofnature #jshn #nj #newjersey #sharetheshore #audbonsociety #earthfocus #featured_wildlife #global_creatives #planetbirds #shorebirds #whatschirping #animal_elite #macro_brilliance #birdsonearth #birds_adored #natgeoyourshot
This Common tern is reminding everyone to respect their breeding boundaries.
🐣 He/she is bringing back a meal for one of its chicks and you can get some amazing photographs here of them feeding… but we recently wrote about Shorebird Photography Etiquette (with photos) and how to get those shots in one of our recent newsletters.
..
Whats Wrong and doesn’t work?
Standing in a large group right against the ropes
Having your lenses past the ropes
Remaining standing when birds are swarming you and visibly agitated.
🌱 When this happens, all the Terns and chicks retreat to the vegetation, back from the ropes, making photographing them difficult. Normally you would be able to photograph them just a few feet in front of you.
..
What does work/Ethical Behavior:
When the Terns seem agitated (they will come after you! 💩) drop to the ground and stay in one spot. Then, slowly crawl forward until you`re in the desired position.
By doing this, you will be able to observe and photograph some amazing natural behaviors and the birds will stay relaxed.
Don`t crowd an area with many other photographers
Bring a bag with you to remove any hazardous strings, balloons, fishing line. Continue to assess the birds behavior..
GOT IT 😃?
..
BRAND AMBASSADOR:
cotton_carrier Camera/Binoc Harness
15% off with code acouplewithoutborders
#harnessyourphotography
..
#commontern #shorebirdphotography #nickersonbeach #beachbirding #birdphotography #birdnerds #wildlifephotography #bird_freaks #birdfreaks #sonya7rIv #birdfacts
#themoreyouknow #birdsinflight #travelcouple #naturelovers #ethicalwildlifephotography #ethicalbirding #sharetheshore #tipstogetthebestpics #birdinflight
This Common tern is reminding everyone to respect their breeding boundaries.
🐣 He/she is bringing back a meal for one of its chicks and you can get some amazing photographs here of them feeding… but we recently wrote about Shorebird Photography Etiquette (with photos) and how to get those shots in one of our recent newsletters.
..
Whats Wrong and doesn’t work?
Standing in a large group right against the ropes
Having your lenses past the ropes
Remaining standing when birds are swarming you and visibly agitated.
🌱 When this happens, all the Terns and chicks retreat to the vegetation, back from the ropes, making photographing them difficult. Normally you would be able to photograph them just a few feet in front of you.
..
What does work/Ethical Behavior:
When the Terns seem agitated (they will come after you! 💩) drop to the ground and stay in one spot. Then, slowly crawl forward until you`re in the desired position.
By doing this, you will be able to observe and photograph some amazing natural behaviors and the birds will stay relaxed.
Don`t crowd an area with many other photographers
Bring a bag with you to remove any hazardous strings, balloons, fishing line. Continue to assess the birds behavior..
GOT IT 😃?
..
BRAND AMBASSADOR:
cotton_carrier Camera/Binoc Harness
15% off with code acouplewithoutborders
#harnessyourphotography
..
#commontern #shorebirdphotography #nickersonbeach #beachbirding #birdphotography #birdnerds #wildlifephotography #bird_freaks #birdfreaks #sonya7rIv #birdfacts
#themoreyouknow #birdsinflight #travelcouple #naturelovers #ethicalwildlifephotography #ethicalbirding #sharetheshore #tipstogetthebestpics #birdinflight
Sea turtle nest record: Broken ✅
We’re having a banner sea turtle year on Sanibel and Captiva, already surpassing our previous loggerhead nest count record with months of nesting season to spare!
As of today, 1,078 sea turtle nests have been laid and 4,244 hatchlings have emerged. Sanibel has had 789 loggerhead nests and 15 green sea turtle nests, while Captiva has had 267 loggerhead nests and 1 green sea turtle nest.
Two new records have been set: Total loggerhead nests on Sanibel, and total loggerhead nests on Captiva.
Pictured is Cappuccino, a tagged loggerhead who was encountered on Sanibel for the first time since 2017! She’s been spotted nesting twice now, including by these lucky morning sea turtle patrol volunteers! 🐢 Thanks to them and all our staff and volunteers for their hard work monitoring these nests.
Please remember to turn off or shield all lights visible from the beach after 9 p.m., as light disorientation has contributed to several hatchling mortalities on Sanibel this summer. Also refrain from using flashlights or cell phone lights while on the beach in the dark.
Call the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663 to report stranded turtles or issues related to nests, lighting, beach furniture, or holes on the beach.
📷: Frances Tutt #seaturtles #sanibel #captiva #sanibelisland #sanibelislandflorida #seaturtle #loggerhead #conservation #swfl #nestingseason #hatchlings #seaturtlehatchlings #captivaflorida #loggerhead #carettacaretta #greenseaturtle #cheloniamydas #babyseaturtles #sharetheshore #lightdisorientation #sccf #turtles
Sea turtle nest record: Broken ✅
We’re having a banner sea turtle year on Sanibel and Captiva, already surpassing our previous loggerhead nest count record with months of nesting season to spare!
As of today, 1,078 sea turtle nests have been laid and 4,244 hatchlings have emerged. Sanibel has had 789 loggerhead nests and 15 green sea turtle nests, while Captiva has had 267 loggerhead nests and 1 green sea turtle nest.
Two new records have been set: Total loggerhead nests on Sanibel, and total loggerhead nests on Captiva.
Pictured is Cappuccino, a tagged loggerhead who was encountered on Sanibel for the first time since 2017! She’s been spotted nesting twice now, including by these lucky morning sea turtle patrol volunteers! 🐢 Thanks to them and all our staff and volunteers for their hard work monitoring these nests.
Please remember to turn off or shield all lights visible from the beach after 9 p.m., as light disorientation has contributed to several hatchling mortalities on Sanibel this summer. Also refrain from using flashlights or cell phone lights while on the beach in the dark.
Call the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663 to report stranded turtles or issues related to nests, lighting, beach furniture, or holes on the beach.
📷: Frances Tutt #seaturtles #sanibel #captiva #sanibelisland #sanibelislandflorida #seaturtle #loggerhead #conservation #swfl #nestingseason #hatchlings #seaturtlehatchlings #captivaflorida #loggerhead #carettacaretta #greenseaturtle #cheloniamydas #babyseaturtles #sharetheshore #lightdisorientation #sccf #turtles