There was lots of Alligator activity this week, despite the cooler temperatures. I counted seven Alligators floating in the pond behind the long white bridge at Magnolia.
Alligators Floating in Pond
This one treated me to a slow paddle across a colorful reflection.
Alligator, Reflection
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 27, 2024
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.
Spoonie Tree and Alligators
On this hot July day the alligators were out in force, mostly just floating around mid-day when we stopped by.
Alligators in Pond
There was a Belted Kingfisher perched atop the tree, while all the wading birds stayed to the back of the pond as seen above.
Belted Kingfisher atop Spoonie Tree
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
July 21, 2024