It may not feel like fall right now in the Lowcountry, but August and September mark the start of fall migration for songbirds. During this time, many species begin migrating to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Birds that breed on the east coast and in North America during the summer months will start to lose their bright coloring and transition into their non-breeding plumage. This explains why bird guides show both breeding and non-breeding distinctions on migration maps. Breeding areas indicate where birds migrate to reproduce during the summer, while non-breeding areas are where they move after the breeding season. Some species, such as resident wrens, chickadees, and cardinals, are marked as year-round residents because they breed, nest, and stay local throughout the year. If you are interested in what birds are visiting the island currently, follow the Town of Kiawah Island’s Kiawah Island Banding Station Blog.
What to look for in the Fall? yellow warbler, waterthrush, black-and-white warbler, painted buntings, tanagers, vireos, prairie warbler, American redstart.