Or
Going…
…going…
…gone.
Ravenswood Pond, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 9, 2023
Yellow-bellied Slider, Sliding In
Tag Archives: Reptile
Yellow-bellied Sliders, January
I was a bit surprised to see these Yellow-bellied Sliders out of the water. It was warm compared to the near freezing temps we had been having, but they were not in the sun.
Another pair was on a nearby clump of…something. I didn’t see the one in the water until looking at the images on the computer.
Ravenswood Pond, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 9, 2023
Pile O’Reptiles: Turtles and Alligators
This spot is a favorite for alligators and turtles, and at certain times of the year the light is perfect for reflections. I see parts of four Alligators and two Turtles, one facing the camera and one away, tucked under the left most Alligator.
I was focusing on the draped Alligator arm and didn’t see the turtle peeking up over the top until I was processing my photos.
The last photo was taken about 90 minutes later, the sun had just gone down so not much light. There hadn’t been much movement in the pile.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 12, 2022
Alligators Everywhere
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
Juvenile Alligator With a Prize
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
Juvenile Carolina Anoles
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
Loggerhead Turtle Hatchling
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.
Yellow-bellied Slider
A sunny December day brought out a turtle.
A long-ago started post that I neglected to finish. Notice how very blue the sky was in December, not this humid distorted blah we are having now.
Florida Softshell Turtle
I saw this Florida Softshell in Sumter, SC, which is outside the turtle’s range shown on the herpetology websites I researched.
I’d previously seen them swimming in Florida and few places in South Carolina but never laying out on land. This one dunked her head in and out of the water a few times.
These turtles have an odd “pig” looking face, not so easily seen here from my angle.
One more test of the water and he slid right into the pond.
This is probably a female:
Males measuring from 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) and females measuring double that at 11-24 inches (28-61 cm).
And this unexpected fact:
Habits:Â The diet of the Florida softshell turtle usually consists of snails and fish but these creatures have been known to eat waterfowl such as ducks and even small herons.
University of Georgia’s
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
https://srelherp.uga.edu/turtles/apafer.htm
Juvenile Alligators
Young Alligators often perch on their mother’s body, maybe for safety or in this case a good sun patch.
Bulls Island is a barrier island off the coast of South Carolina made of a series of ancient sand dunes that run parallel to the long ocean side. Over time fresh water sloughs have formed between the dunes, home to many Alligators.
A closer view of the two duck weed coated youngsters on the bank:
Another juvenile found his own dry spot, complete with dappled sun.
April 1, 2022