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!
🌿 Preserving Wetlands for Birds including the Reddish Egret🐦
🌊 Why are wetlands important for birds? Here are 5 reasons:
1️⃣ Habitat: Wetlands provide essential nesting and feeding grounds.
2️⃣ Biodiversity: They support a diverse range of species, attracting different birds.
3️⃣ Migration Stopovers: Birds rely on wetlands for resting during long migrations.
4️⃣ Ecosystem Services: Wetlands regulate water flow, filter pollutants, and mitigate floods.
5️⃣ Economic Benefits: They boost ecotourism and support local economies.
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Let’s protect our wetlands for the sake of our feathered friends and the planet! 🌍🦜
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#reddishegret #egrets #naturehippys_ #eye_spy_birds #planetbirds #nuts_about_birds #bestoftheusa_birds #wildlifeaddicts #wetlands #savethewetlands #bestbirdshots #wildlifeplanet #conserveflorida #floridawildlifecorridor #birdsofinstagram #birds_captures #naturebrilliance #sonyalpha #birdsonearth #keepflwild #birds_bees_flowers_n_trees #wildlifeonearth #sharetheshore #floridawildlife #nuts_about_wildlife #birdsphotography
🌿 Preserving Wetlands for Birds including the Reddish Egret🐦
🌊 Why are wetlands important for birds? Here are 5 reasons:
1️⃣ Habitat: Wetlands provide essential nesting and feeding grounds.
2️⃣ Biodiversity: They support a diverse range of species, attracting different birds.
3️⃣ Migration Stopovers: Birds rely on wetlands for resting during long migrations.
4️⃣ Ecosystem Services: Wetlands regulate water flow, filter pollutants, and mitigate floods.
5️⃣ Economic Benefits: They boost ecotourism and support local economies.
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Let’s protect our wetlands for the sake of our feathered friends and the planet! 🌍🦜
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#reddishegret #egrets #naturehippys_ #eye_spy_birds #planetbirds #nuts_about_birds #bestoftheusa_birds #wildlifeaddicts #wetlands #savethewetlands #bestbirdshots #wildlifeplanet #conserveflorida #floridawildlifecorridor #birdsofinstagram #birds_captures #naturebrilliance #sonyalpha #birdsonearth #keepflwild #birds_bees_flowers_n_trees #wildlifeonearth #sharetheshore #floridawildlife #nuts_about_wildlife #birdsphotography
"EEKKK! Did you see that little clutch of eggs hidden among the sand?!
While you may be going on Easter egg hunts this Sunday, western snowy plovers, small federally threatened shorebirds that weigh about the same as two AA batteries, are looking for a place to put their nests!
All along beaches of the Pacific coast, mated pairs are reuniting to find the ideal “neighborhood” to rear their young! Males will scour the beach, scraping the sand where suitable nest spots occur, and wait for the female to take her pick. Finally, the female will lay 3 perfectly camouflaged eggs in the sand.
Did you find it difficult to find the eggs? In order to prevent beach-goers from accidently stepping on eggs or scaring the parents away from their nests, many state parks install fencing around the sensitive habitat during the breeding season (March-August). We can #SharetheShore with these little birds by walking along the wet sand by the ocean.
Photo description: Sandy-colored egg hidden among dune vegetation. Credit: K. Sinclair/USFWS
"EEKKK! Did you see that little clutch of eggs hidden among the sand?!
While you may be going on Easter egg hunts this Sunday, western snowy plovers, small federally threatened shorebirds that weigh about the same as two AA batteries, are looking for a place to put their nests!
All along beaches of the Pacific coast, mated pairs are reuniting to find the ideal “neighborhood” to rear their young! Males will scour the beach, scraping the sand where suitable nest spots occur, and wait for the female to take her pick. Finally, the female will lay 3 perfectly camouflaged eggs in the sand.
Did you find it difficult to find the eggs? In order to prevent beach-goers from accidently stepping on eggs or scaring the parents away from their nests, many state parks install fencing around the sensitive habitat during the breeding season (March-August). We can #SharetheShore with these little birds by walking along the wet sand by the ocean.
Photo description: Sandy-colored egg hidden among dune vegetation. Credit: K. Sinclair/USFWS
The ocean asks for nothing but those who stand by her shores gradually attune themselves to her rhythm.
- Charles Dickens
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09.09.20
American oystercatchers on the beaches of the Rockaways in Queens #NewYorkCity
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Last Sunday was #WorldShorebirdsDay so on this #WildlifeWednesday I’ll spotlight the American oystercatcher, a boldly patterned shorebird w red-yellow eyes and a vivid red-orange bill, it survives almost exclusively on shellfish.
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Every summer, a lot of these oystercatchers and other shorebirds nest on the Rockaways. Was excited to see an oystercatcher chick during one of my visits! Swipe to see it!
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I also came across the eggs of 6U and 7U, two banded oystercatchers that has returned to nest in the Rockaways for several years now. This year they have three eggs which haven’t hatch yet when I was there last July.
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To protect nesting shorebirds, everyone is encouraged to #sharetheshore 🐣
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#SeeYourCity
The ocean asks for nothing but those who stand by her shores gradually attune themselves to her rhythm.
- Charles Dickens
.
.
09.09.20
American oystercatchers on the beaches of the Rockaways in Queens #NewYorkCity
.
Last Sunday was #WorldShorebirdsDay so on this #WildlifeWednesday I’ll spotlight the American oystercatcher, a boldly patterned shorebird w red-yellow eyes and a vivid red-orange bill, it survives almost exclusively on shellfish.
.
Every summer, a lot of these oystercatchers and other shorebirds nest on the Rockaways. Was excited to see an oystercatcher chick during one of my visits! Swipe to see it!
.
I also came across the eggs of 6U and 7U, two banded oystercatchers that has returned to nest in the Rockaways for several years now. This year they have three eggs which haven’t hatch yet when I was there last July.
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To protect nesting shorebirds, everyone is encouraged to #sharetheshore 🐣
.
#SeeYourCity
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
Marbled Godwit Hanging out at the beach , love the bicolored bill.
(Picopando Canelo)
#marbledgodwit #marbledgodwits #godwit #marbledgodwitsofinstagram #allmightybirds #sharetheshore #waterbirds #picopandocanelo
#godwits #shorebirdsofinstagram
Marbled Godwit Hanging out at the beach , love the bicolored bill.
(Picopando Canelo)
#marbledgodwit #marbledgodwits #godwit #marbledgodwitsofinstagram #allmightybirds #sharetheshore #waterbirds #picopandocanelo
#godwits #shorebirdsofinstagram
When I went to Maine in July, I wasn’t expecting to see Piping Plovers at all but I definitely didn’t expect to see Piping Plovers chicks! Though Ive seen a few Piping Plovers before, I had never seen a chick. It really did look like a cotton ball on tooth picks it was so tiny as it scurried around the beach. Piping Plovers are one of my favorite birds and I regulary donate profits from a sticker I designed to the conservation of this species. Definitely a highlight of 2023 and hoping to see some more this year!
#naturejournaling #birdillustration #pipingplover #ploverlover #sharetheshore #mainebirds #plover #birdart
When I went to Maine in July, I wasn’t expecting to see Piping Plovers at all but I definitely didn’t expect to see Piping Plovers chicks! Though Ive seen a few Piping Plovers before, I had never seen a chick. It really did look like a cotton ball on tooth picks it was so tiny as it scurried around the beach. Piping Plovers are one of my favorite birds and I regulary donate profits from a sticker I designed to the conservation of this species. Definitely a highlight of 2023 and hoping to see some more this year!
#naturejournaling #birdillustration #pipingplover #ploverlover #sharetheshore #mainebirds #plover #birdart
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
Reddish egrets ~ Egretta rufescens
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#reddishegret #egrets #naturehippys_ #eye_spy_birds #planetbirds #nuts_about_birds #bestoftheusa_birds #wildlifeaddicts #yourshotphotographer #best_birds_of_ig #bestbirdshots #wildlifeplanet #conserveflorida #floridawildlifecorridor #birdsofinstagram #birds_captures #naturebrilliance #sonyalpha #birdsonearth #keepflwild #birds_bees_flowers_n_trees #wildlifeonearth #sharetheshore #floridawildlife #nuts_about_wildlife #birdsphotography
Reddish egrets ~ Egretta rufescens
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#reddishegret #egrets #naturehippys_ #eye_spy_birds #planetbirds #nuts_about_birds #bestoftheusa_birds #wildlifeaddicts #yourshotphotographer #best_birds_of_ig #bestbirdshots #wildlifeplanet #conserveflorida #floridawildlifecorridor #birdsofinstagram #birds_captures #naturebrilliance #sonyalpha #birdsonearth #keepflwild #birds_bees_flowers_n_trees #wildlifeonearth #sharetheshore #floridawildlife #nuts_about_wildlife #birdsphotography
Greater Yellowlegs are known for their impressive migratory journeys. Some individuals travel up to 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) between their breeding and wintering grounds, making them among the most migratory of shorebirds.
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#greateryellowlegs #shorebirds #naturehippys_ #eye_spy_birds #planetbirds #nuts_about_birds #bestoftheusa_birds #wildlifeaddicts #yourshotphotographer #best_birds_of_ig #bestbirdshots #wildlifeplanet #conserveflorida #floridawildlifecorridor #birdsofinstagram #birds_captures #naturebrilliance #sonyalpha #birdsonearth #keepflwild #birds_bees_flowers_n_trees #wildlifeonearth #sharetheshore #floridawildlife #nuts_about_wildlife #birdsphotography
Greater Yellowlegs are known for their impressive migratory journeys. Some individuals travel up to 3000 miles (4800 kilometers) between their breeding and wintering grounds, making them among the most migratory of shorebirds.
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#greateryellowlegs #shorebirds #naturehippys_ #eye_spy_birds #planetbirds #nuts_about_birds #bestoftheusa_birds #wildlifeaddicts #yourshotphotographer #best_birds_of_ig #bestbirdshots #wildlifeplanet #conserveflorida #floridawildlifecorridor #birdsofinstagram #birds_captures #naturebrilliance #sonyalpha #birdsonearth #keepflwild #birds_bees_flowers_n_trees #wildlifeonearth #sharetheshore #floridawildlife #nuts_about_wildlife #birdsphotography
A fascinating aspect of reddish egret hunting is its “drunken sailor” behavior. This involves erratic movements, sudden stops, and quick changes in direction as it chases prey in shallow water. This unpredictable behavior helps it to startle and catch its prey off guard, making it a highly effective hunter.
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#reddishegret #egrets #naturehippys_ #eye_spy_birds #planetbirds #nuts_about_birds #bestoftheusa_birds #wildlifeaddicts #yourshotphotographer #best_birds_of_ig #bestbirdshots #wildlifeplanet #conserveflorida #floridawildlifecorridor #birdsofinstagram #birds_captures #naturebrilliance #sonyalpha #birdsonearth #keepflwild #birds_bees_flowers_n_trees #wildlifeonearth #sharetheshore #floridawildlife #nuts_about_wildlife #birdsphotography
A fascinating aspect of reddish egret hunting is its “drunken sailor” behavior. This involves erratic movements, sudden stops, and quick changes in direction as it chases prey in shallow water. This unpredictable behavior helps it to startle and catch its prey off guard, making it a highly effective hunter.
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#reddishegret #egrets #naturehippys_ #eye_spy_birds #planetbirds #nuts_about_birds #bestoftheusa_birds #wildlifeaddicts #yourshotphotographer #best_birds_of_ig #bestbirdshots #wildlifeplanet #conserveflorida #floridawildlifecorridor #birdsofinstagram #birds_captures #naturebrilliance #sonyalpha #birdsonearth #keepflwild #birds_bees_flowers_n_trees #wildlifeonearth #sharetheshore #floridawildlife #nuts_about_wildlife #birdsphotography