
Category Archives: Nature
Halloween Pennant, In A Breeze
Bird Chaos at Bird Key
Hundreds of birds nested on Bird Key this summer and the land and sky were full of activity on this July day.

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.

On the outer edge of the island, the open Atlantic Ocean beyond, a sand bar has formed that was popular spot for preening.

Taken from a boat at Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
Between Kiawah Island and Folly Beach, SC
July 12, 2021
Tree Frog In Calla Lily
Alligators at Mill House Pond
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.

The smaller one plopped down after a short walk across the berm.

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.

Jumping Fish
Every time I’ve been to the pond where I’ve been photographing the damselflies and purple Iris this month the fish have been jumping. Of course every time I try to capture the action. Finally on April 17th I got one.

I have no idea what kind of fish, but they are large, at least a foot (30cm) long.

And they make a pretty good splash.

The Alligators don’t appear to follow them, but you can be sure they know where to look when they are hungry.

Tree Diorama
Ornaments by Nature
Dangling from a slim tree branch a wasp nest adds to the decoration of this pond-side tree.

A closer look shows that there is not much supporting the nest. I didn’t see any buzzing activity and don’t know if wasps spend the winter in these nests or hunker in more weather resistant homes.
