I remembered this delightful bush as I wondered some lesser traveled paths at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens a few weeks ago.
Cassia
This plant is surely the gift that keeps on giving, as it was just covered with these shapely yellow blooms.
Cassia
Some of the singles left on a stalk were real stand-outs.
Cassia
Most of the plant was covered with these clusters.
Cassia
I had posted images of this plant last December not knowing what it was. Fortuitously, the most recent Magnolia Newsletter had an image and identified it as Cassia.
Cassia
A little plant research shows there are a number of varieties of Cassia and I’m just going to let it go at that.
Cornell’s Merlin App has identified this as a King Rail, a member of the Rallidae Family, along with other Rails, Gallinules, and Coots.
Both the handsome adult and the distinctive all-black chick were new to me. I watched them for ten minutes and the adult kept this posture, perhaps a cooling mechanism on a hot August day, while the chick tottered around in the grass.
King Rail and Chick
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, Green Pond, SC
August 8, 2021
Hundreds of birds nested on Bird Key this summer and the land and sky were full of activity on this July day.
Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
Most of the birds on land seen here are Brown Pelicans, the smaller white ones are chicks. The chicks were awkwardly walking, but not yet flying.  There were lots of Laughing Gulls that provided constant noise, and a few White Ibis mixed in.
Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
On the outer edge of the island, the open Atlantic Ocean beyond, a sand bar has formed that was popular spot for preening.
Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
Taken from a boat at Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
Between Kiawah Island and Folly Beach, SC
After visiting the sheep one day last week I continued across Middleton Place to the Mill Pond where two Alligators were taking advantage of the afternoon sun.
Alligators at Mill House
The smaller one plopped down after a short walk across the berm.
Alligators at Mill House
I had intended to go past the Mill building, but diverted to the left on an Alligator-free route, stopping for a different view of the big fellow.