Title: The Wildlife of Tidewater: A Nature Enthusiast’s Guide
As a seasoned golfer and Myrtle Beach local, I am eager to bring you on an intimate journey through the sprawling landscapes and dazzling wildlife of Tidewater. Tidewater golf course, residing on a peninsula hemmed in the Intracoastal Waterway and Cherry Grove Inlet, ensnares the imagination and captivates the senses. It’s not just a test of your golfing prowess but also a nature safari that offers glimpses at South Carolina’s unrivaled natural reserve.
The first thing that strikes you about the Tidewater is the abundant forested canopies. Tall eastern pines and hardwood trees stand like ancient sentinels, sheltering the fairways and forming archways over cart paths. From these roosts, one can often observe splendid creatures characteristic of the Carolina forests. The Red-tailed Hawk, with its signature russet tail, scans the undergrowth from its high perches, seeking its next prey. You’re likely to spot the elusive Barred Owl, who makes its home in the dense woods, its melodious hoot resonating in the quiet dusks and dawns.
However, the feathered beauties of Tidewater aren’t confined to the woods. Great Blue Herons strut gracefully across the manicured fairways and the smaller, stealthier Green Herons fish along the lithe water hazards. Their acute vision and lightning-fast reflexes make them formidable fishers. A moment of silence and stillness by the water could reward you with the sight of these winged hunters in action.
An equally fascinating encounter is with the woodpeckers. Watch for the distinctive red crest of the Pileated Woodpecker, the largest woodpecker native to North America. Tidewater’s old tree trunks reverberate with their percussive taps, making them easier to locate. Don’t forget the smaller but no less enchanting Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers.
Leaving the feathered friends and delving into the watery domain, golfers and nature enthusiasts can encounter a diverse set of swamp-dwelling and aquatic creatures. Mosquito fish, turtles, and salamanders swim in harmony. But the main attraction is the American alligator, an iconic resident of Tidewater. The sight of these powerful reptiles sunning themselves on the banks or swimming with only their eyes and nostrils exposed is bound to leave an indelible impression.
Occasionally, golfers can spot playful river otters sliding into the water, their muscular bodies a picture of grace and agility. The golf course’s marshy terrains are home to Eastern Mud Turtles and Northern Water Snakes, who can mostly be seen soaking up the sun on warm afternoons.
Tiny footsteps lead us to another congregant of Tidewater’s wildlife – mammals. White-tailed deer, common Eastern cottontails, and foxes artfully weave through the trees and across fairways, offering great photo opportunities for the observant onlooker. The nocturnal flying squirrel and Eastern raccoon quietly traverse Tidewater’s landscapes as golfers retire for the day.
Not to forget, Tidewater’s flora is as mesmerizing as its fauna. Lush plantation of the Eastern Red Cedar, Live Oak, American Sycamore, and Loblolly Pine paint a vibrant botanical canvas across the course. The white blooms of Dogwood and the delicate pink flowers of Redbud trees in the spring are sights to behold.
The pronounced scent of Sweetgrass adds to the olfactory delight, a prelude to Tidewater’s myriad sensory experiences. Seasonal plants like the White Water Lily, Southern Wax Myrtle, and Swamp Milkweed add more hues to the spectral panorama of the golf course.
Experiencing Tidewater demands time, patience, and a keen attentiveness. Aside from the thrills of the sport, as a nature enthusiast bring along a birdwatcher’s guide or a wildflower identification book, turn the golf-cart ride into a mini-safari, and lose yourself in this splendid celebration of nature. No wonder Tidewater is often referred to as the “Pebble Beach of the East” – it’s not just about the golf, it’s about the rendezvous with nature that golfers yearn for.
Undeniably, the true essence of the Tidewater Golf Club lies beyond the enticingly manicured fairways and meticulously designed bunkers. It is in the unique unison of golf and nature that separates Tidewater from the rest – an apple of the eye for golf lovers and a trove of scenic beauty for nature enthusiasts.
Whether you are there to swing your clubs or to marvel at the myriad natural hues, take a moment – look around, listen, learn, and appreciate South Carolina’s unique and diverse wildlife at Tidewater. And yes, don’t forget to breathe in the free-spirited essence of Mother Nature!