Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
July 3, 2022
White-tailed Deer, I See You
Tag Archives: Mammal
Armadillo Quadruplets
Referred to as pups, baby Nine-banded Armadillos almost always come in fours. The fertilized egg breaks into four identical zygotes, yielding quadruplets.
No adult was to be seen supervising this quartet of constant movement. They nurse for two to three months then gradually venture off on their own.
Insects, larvae and other food found on or in the ground make up the Armadillo’s diet.
This fellow shows off his claw and snout, the tools used to maximize his grazing.
Francis Beidler Forest, SC
July 9, 2022
Marsh Rabbit
The dike across the big pond at Donnelley WMA was rife with Marsh Rabbits the last time I went.
I lost count around twenty.
I didn’t see this one until I was right beside him; I was more surprised he didn’t bolt.
This one did. Smart rabbit.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
July 3, 2022
Dolphin In Marsh
Seeing Dolphins never gets old…
There was an exceptionally high tide that morning, allowing Dolphin to explore beyond their normal range.
These Dolphin would have traveled more than ten miles from St. Helena Sound to reach this point. Follow all the twists and turns along the yellow line I’ve drawn:
This spot is a dead end for their travels.
The pair swirled around in this pool a few times then disappeared back the way the came.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
May 15, 2022
Bottlenose Dolphins, Kiawah River
Coming back from seeing the baby Brown Pelicans we spotted several small pods of Bottlenose Dolphins in the Kiawah River. They are just plain fun to watch.
Kiawah River, SC
June 1, 2022
Fox Squirrel
I see Fox Squirrels off and on as we drive through some of the SC wildlife management areas but rarely for long enough to take a picture. Twice recently I’ve had better luck.
They do have a bit of curiosity and sometimes peak back at what startled them from their squirrel activities.
Raccoons Out For A Walk
A trio of Raccoons was coming towards Ted and I on a dike between two old rice fields.
I thought we had been spotted, but they kept coming.
Oh!
One made a silent U-turn.
Oh!
U-turn.
And pick up the pace!
Nine-banded Armadillo, Closer Up
As I passed the Armadillo Pair I was able to get a few closer images of just one.
They spent most of their time rooting through the leaves and pine needles, searching out insects to eat.
Eventually, he meandered off into the woods leaving me with an interesting view of his segmented tail.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 23, 2021
Armadillo Pair
Usually when I see an Armadillo it is partially hidden by heavy brush or making a fast exit. This was one of the few times I’ve seen Armadillos out in the open and the first time I’ve seen a pair together.
They were just off a wooded walking path, very intent with their snouts to the ground.
As I walked towards them they didn’t give any indication they heard me.
They just kept rooting around in the pine needles as I passed by.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 23, 2021
Bottlenose Dolphins Mating
Like nature shows on tv, our nature boat trip to Bird Key to see the Brown Pelican chicks included some mating. This time is was not birds, but Dolphins.
Our boat captain and guide spotted a pod of Dolphins on our return trip up the Kiawah River. He was quick to say he thought we’d also see some mating based on his interpretation of what we were seeing.
From our distance on a bobbing boat it was hard to say for sure, but scenes frozen by the camera tell the story. Before you scroll on I’ll tell you that even at a distance they are graphic. And amazing.
The gestation period for Bottlenose Dolphins is twelve months. Tune in a year from now and we may see a calf.
Kiawah River, SC
July 12, 2021