February 01, 2022

The Red Knots Are Coming

Each spring from March through May, Red Knots make their way to Kiawah Island. In their winter plumage, they appear somewhat anonymous, but when they don robin-red on their chests in spring they have a remarkable appearance. 

Did you know?

• The Red Knot flies over 9,000 miles in just over a month from South America to the Arctic, sometimes over the open ocean continuously for 6-8 days without stopping.

• During their migration, Kiawah is an important staging area where they rest and feed before continuing to their Arctic breeding grounds.

March is a great time to see them on the beach. While they are visiting, binoculars are an excellent way to admire them up close.

Please remember they have a nonstop flight to the arctic after leaving the island, so please do not disturb them. The disturbances caused by people and dogs on our beach can compromise survival. Every time a bird is forced to fly while eating or resting, it is consuming the energy needed for the next flight to its breeding grounds.