The Anglican Church established “chapels of ease” throughout rural South Carolina in the 1700s for members to attend services close to home without trekking to an actual church.
Built in 1725, Strawberry Chapel is the only remaining structure from the Childsbury settlement on the Cooper River. The chapel is private property and Ted and I attended an educational / history event there yesterday.
September 10, 2022
Strawberry Chapel
Cordesville, South Carolina
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.
Loggerhead Turtle Hatchling Going Into Ocean
Loggerhead Turtle Hatchling Going Into Ocean
The next wave swept him away and I got one shot of him paddling off.
Loggerhead Turtle Hatchling In Ocean
Bulls Island, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, SC
July 24, 2022
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, 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.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist had been repairing decaying plaster work on the ceiling the last time I was inside. The repairs and painting were part of a larger project which I believe was completed sometime in 2020 or early 2021.
What a difference!
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, May 25, 2022
For comparison, one of the images I posted from a 2018 visit:
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist – September 2018
Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
Charleston, SC
I saw this Florida Softshell in Sumter, SC, which is outside the turtle’s range shown on the herpetology websites I researched.
Florida Softshell Turtle
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.
Florida Softshell Turtle
These turtles have an odd “pig” looking face, not so easily seen here from my angle.
Florida Softshell Turtle
One more test of the water and he slid right into the pond.
Florida Softshell Turtle
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: 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.
I took these pictures 10 days ago, attracted by the bloom’s texture and the lime green color.
Green Buds – Possibly Snowball Bush
Plants throughout SC are in for a big shock tonight. It has been weeks since we have seen frost and a wide variety of plants are in full bloom. Our area is expected to drop to 27 F (-3 C) for several hours before the sun comes up tomorrow.
I’ve occasionally seen Robins in SC foraging in wooded areas, never great photographic opportunities. Until this week when I saw several, including this one that showed off his red breast during a short rest.
American Robin
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 2, 2022