About twice the size of a grey squirrel, the Fox Squirrel can be found scattered around the coastal areas of South Carolina. This was the first time I got a really good look at one and some pictures other than a fleeing butt end.
Fox Squirrel
He jumped from the ground to the side of the tree just like a common grey squirrel would. I was ready for him to go up the tree, but instead he just sprung off into space and zipped away.
Fox Squirrel — a little over two feet long, including the tail
The body of the Fox Squirrel can be grey, black or brown. All of the color variations share the black face mask and white nose and ear tips.
I’ve heard stories and read articles about South Carolina’s wild pigs, especially about how destructive they can be and how their population has exploded since the 1980s. Depending on the source they may be referred to as hogs or boars. This is the first one I’ve seen and in quite an unexpected spot: a canal at the edge of an old rice field where I’ve often photographed egrets, herons and alligators.
Wild Pig
There is still a little snow around the edges of the ponds, some of the non-moving water is frozen over and the dense grass areas have ice in them. This may have been the best watering spot he could find, even with the mud.
Wild Hog
He sauntered away–I’m not sure he could have run if he needed to, being up to his knees in that mud.
On my second trip out with my new Sony Alpha 6500, which was intended for landscapes you may have noted from my last post, we came upon a Bobcat at the Charles Towne Landing Animal Forest. This South Carolina State run park includes a number of animals that would have been in the area in the 1600s when the first settlers arrived. The Bobcat is in an enclosure but he had chosen a perfect spot above his fencing to give us a barrier free view.
I had been taking test shots with various focus and exposure settings with the 18-110mm lens mounted. Of course I wished I had the longer lens on, but I did want to see how the lens would perform and didn’t want to take a chance he would leave while I was changing lenses.
Bobcat at Charlestowne Landing Animal Forest; Sony Alpha 6500, Sony 18-110mm f4 at 105mm
The Bobcat was asleep in the sun when we first saw him and it turns out I had ample opportunity to adjust the camera settings, drop the lens hood then the UV filter that wasn’t tightened enough, and take some photos with the shorter lens before he opened his eyes.
Bobcat at Charlestowne Landing Animal Forest; Sony Alpha 6500, Sony – 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 at 210mm
He started stretching as I switched lenses. I should have changed to a faster shutter speed at this point but was still pleased with the images.
Bobcat at Charlestowne Landing Animal Forest; Sony Alpha 6500, Sony – 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 at 210mm
After a look around the Bobcat dropped out of the tree and disappeared into the undergrowth.
Bobcat at Charlestowne Landing Animal Forest; Sony Alpha 6500, Sony – 55-210mm f/4.5-6.3 at 210mm
I did not see the Needlefish when I was taking these shots. The glare from the afternoon sun and the splash from the strand feeding Dolphin were what I saw in the viewfinder while I was hoping the Dolphin’s head would emerge through the water.
Fish Got Away
The fish’s jumping skills outran the Dolphin’s efforts to corner him near shore.
Fish Got Away
In a matter of seconds the the Dolphin turned back into the deeper water.
The wind at the beach got the approval of this Basset Hound.
Basset Hound at the Beach
I think of these hounds as being plodders, but this fellow broke into a joyful run down the beach with all four feet off the sand. A senior citizen, he soon returned to a stately walk and was happy to rest when his people sat on a chunk of driftwood.
After picking this treasure directly off the tree with a resounding “snap” the squirrel settled in and delicately ate it. He slowly turned and savored the nut/seed showing off some pretty serious claws.
Squirrel Eating – click photo for larger view
It was surprising to see him so still for so long as most squirrels I see are running and jumping around in a chaotic way. What nature photographer hasn’t had a fright when a squirrel suddenly careened across their path?
New lambs have arrived at the Middleton Place barnyard. Cute is the only word for them. Ranging from one day to one week old, these lambs were in a pen with their mothers, all trying to figure out how the world works.
Pardon me while I squeeze under you – click photo for larger view
The whole group was in constant motion and regrettably I should have taken these shots at a faster shutter speed.
Lambs at Middleton Place – click photo for larger view
In the photo below the youngest lamb, in the back, is less than 24 hours old. The three in the middle, perhaps triplets, mostly stuck together and practiced their “bahhing” for awhile.
Lambs – click photo for larger view
A pair of farm workers were making some repairs to the pen, probably to prevent escapes under the fence by the new tiny occupants. The little guy below was most interested in what they were up to.
Inquisitive lamb – click photo for larger view
This mother sheep had plenty to say, too.
Bleeting Sheep – click photo for larger view
The farm’s adult sheep are looking a little bedraggled and will be shorn this weekend.
In late afternoon at Middleton Place’s barnyard most of the animals are rounded up and secured for the night. This is for their safety and for some, to keep them from causing mischief. I think this sheep had mischief on his mind as he pointed the way further from his pen.
While the sheep and some Guinea Hens were being corralled these Mallards were zooming back and forth through the horse enclosure. They stayed in a straight line, flashing their orange feet and iridescent heads, anxious not to miss any feeding opportunities.
An educational trail sign says the rabbits in the swamp are Marsh Rabbits. This is as good a look as I’ve gotten and I’ve read that the Marsh Rabbit is a strong swimmer. He’s on a small island in the flooded marsh so it seems to fit.
The other possibility would be an Eastern Cottontail, but he was not moving to show his tail while I was watching.
He was well camouflaged among the Cypress Tree knees.
Audubon Swamp at Magnolia Gardens, Charleston, SC.
Middleton Place Stableyards have a number of animals that would have been a working part of 18th and 19th century plantation life. Some of the horses there today work pulling carriages of tourists on tours of the grounds, a relatively easy assignment for animals that were bred to work in the fields.
This late afternoon their dinner was served then they were led back to their pasture under the live oaks for the night.
The horses and other animals, including sheep, hogs, goats, and a number of fowl, are also part of Middleton’s educational programs.
