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.
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.
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
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
Snakes were what I saw the most of on my recent visit to Beidler Forest. I’m not a big fan, but have grown to appreciate their habits since moving to SC.
The positions they arrange themselves in are pretty interesting, including a little flare with the tail.
It was a partly cloudy day in the mid 70s (24-25C) and these three were in spots that were in and out of the sun.
Beidler Forest, SC
March 18, 2022
Carolina Anoles are mostly dormant during the winter, but a warm, sunny day can bring them out.
This fellow was bright green and showing off his dewlap just a bit as he surveyed his territory.
February 24, 2022
Or, “How’s the water?”
Carolina Anoles readily change from bright green to various shades of brown, supposedly going brown in moist or cool conditions. This one stood out in brown as he perched on a fading Elephant Ear leaf after a rain.
