Each spring from March through May, Red Knots make their way to Kiawah Island. When they first arrive they appear rather anonymous in winter plumage, but are unmistakable in spring, when they wear robin-red on their chest.
Did you know?
- Red Knots undertake an incredible journey from South America to the Arctic traveling over 9,000 miles, sometimes flying for 6-8 days continuously over the open ocean without stopping.
- Kiawah is a critical staging area during their migration to rest and feed before continuing to their Arctic breeding grounds.
Be on the lookout for them on the beach in March! Using binoculars to admire them from afar is an excellent way to see them up close while they are visiting.
Please remember they have a nonstop flight to the arctic after leaving the island, so please do not disturb them. Disturbance by people and dogs on our beach can have detrimental effects on the bird’s survival. Each time a bird is forced to fly while feeding or resting, it is using up essential energy needed to make the next flight to its breeding grounds.
