The “Spoonie Tree” continues to decline, and in July the water was lowered in the pond exposing its roots. For several years I have thought that this will be the year that this tree finally topples, but there it stands. The first picture I can find that I took of the tree, from October 2017, the tree was far from healthy, but still living.

On this hot July day the alligators were out in force, mostly just floating around mid-day when we stopped by.

There was a Belted Kingfisher perched atop the tree, while all the wading birds stayed to the back of the pond as seen above.

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
July 21, 2024