I had assumed these were all Yellow-bellied Sliders but maybe the two on the left in this first image are not–there wasn’t a bit of yellow to be seen.
Research tells me there is some variation, and also some interbreeding with other species.
This was a cooler day, I had gloves on, and I was surprised to see them out at all.
The Old Santee Canal Park, Moncks Corner, SC
December 4, 2025
I took one more step to get a better angle of these four Yellow-bellied Sliders and in a blink of the eye they slid below the duckweed covered surface.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 16, 2025
I thought the Alligator on the left might join the pile while I watched, but he seemed content to float. The Yellow-bellied Slider and Alligators piled up were content with their spots, too.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 25, 2025
Or
Going…
…going…
…gone.
Ravenswood Pond, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 9, 2023
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
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
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
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.
