A few Common Gallinules were walking around in this shallow water at the edge of a pond, quietly minding their own business.
Gallinules are known for making a vocal fuss, but while I was watching this scene they were quiet.
Hard to say if Alligators pay any attention to when birds vocalize; I’ve seen them respond to movement around them but not just noise.
These Alligators never moved.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 24, 2022
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 24, 2022
The Alligators took advantage of the exposed mud as water drained out of the the big rice field pond.
And they found their way into a number of my wading bird images.
A wider view of the interior of the pond–all of those reeds are due to be burned off as soon as wind conditions are right.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 24, 2022
And their thing isn’t much, or wasn’t on this day. This fellow was just hanging out at the edge of the pond.
Not really a photobomber because it’s not so easy to see, but there is a Belted Kingfisher sitting on the stick at the center top of the image as the Alligator glided by.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
August 27, 2022
Down over the bank from where I parked, just hanging out on a hot day.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
August 31, 2022
I’m not sure if this juvenile Alligator knew there was a treasure ahead, or if he had just wandered out of the pond.
But, once he got closer there was no doubt.
Even after studying these images I have no idea what the “treasure” is.
The alligator gave it a shake…
and beat feet!
August 26, 2022
Cypress Gardens, Moncks Corner, SC
We’ve had several Carolina Anoles hatch in our back yard over the last few weeks.
This one spent hours inspecting this dried hibiscus blossom.
Another one chose a more secretive location, but also didn’t go far over several hours.
August 19 & 20, 2022
Ted and I went on a fundraising / educational trip to Bulls Island to promote the Loggerhead Turtle nesting spearheaded by the Coastal Expeditions Foundation. Money and citizen knowledge are two things that are helping these turtles successfully nest in Cape Romain.
We were treated to an amazing and unexpected experience when one of the wildlife technicians that monitors the nests released five hatchlings that had fallen behind their nest mates. I waded into the water for a unique view, but not standing still as the sand shifted beneath my feet.
The next wave swept him away and I got one shot of him paddling off.
Bulls Island, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, SC
July 24, 2022
From Coastal Expeditions Foundation:
https://www.coastalexpeditions.com/cast/
Protecting Sea Turtles in Cape Romain NWR
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge is the most significant nesting site north of Florida on the Eastern seaboard. Over 3000 nests are laid on the barrier island beaches of this refuge each summer, and it takes a legion of volunteers and two wildlife technicians to handle the task of protecting and categorizing every loggerhead nest.
Every year, this program needs to be fully funded from outside donations and grants to pay for the seasonal salaries of two wildlife technicians and two interns. The Coastal Expeditions Foundation handles this $50,000 commitment through fundraisers and grass roots donations.
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, extending 22 miles along the South Carolina Coast, is a rich mosaic of barrier islands with forest and ponds, vast salt marshes and intricate waterways. This diverse and dynamic system supports over 293 bird species and a myriad of other wildlife. Over fifty percent of refuge lands are designated a Class I National Wilderness Area.
While I was watching the Praying Mantis of my previous post a Carolina Anole popped his head up for a quick look.
This one was doing what looks like dangerous work, climbing around in the very sharp fronds of the Sego Palm looking for bugs.
July 18, 2022
I’m not much on snakes–I do photograph them on occasion but don’t often post them. This one was sunning just off the boardwalk; Ted had identified him as poisonous.
Unfortunately I didn’t see the Damselfly until looking at the pictures on my computer.
If I had, we’d be looking at a closeup of the insect on those interesting scales…
instead of just a blip of blue on the snake.
Francis Beidler Forest, SC
July 9, 2022
