Tag Archives: Summer

Roseate Skimmer, Back Yard, 2

While watching the Roseate Skimmer featured in yesterday’s post I noticed a bloom in one of my pots that was nearly the same color as the dragonfly.

Sometimes if you wait long enough an insect will land where you would like to take its picture.

Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly
Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly

I don’t know the plant, it is a volunteer from one I had a few years ago. It doesn’t look exactly the same, but that fluffy magenta is familiar.

September 3, 2022

Roseate Skimmer, Back Yard

We haven’t had many dragonfly visitors in our back yard this summer. Conditions have been wetter and hotter, with no overnight cooldowns. I have no idea if this plays a part or if there are other forces in play.

Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly
Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly, Purple Caladium Leaves

Today I was quite pleased to spot this Roseate Skimmer perching on a dried hibiscus stem on the patio.

Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly
Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly

I was even more pleased that he was still there after I went in for my camera.

Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly
Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly

He stayed around for quite awhile, with the classic dragonfly behavior of returning to the same perch, giving me plenty of viewing options.

Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly
Roseate Skimmer Dragonfly, Black-eyed Susan

September 3, 2022

Late Blooming Magnolias

Only a few Magnolia Trees around the Low Country have flowers on them now.  There are so many varieties it’s hard to get a handle on the expected bloom time, but they are winding down in numbers, but not size or presentation.

Magnolia Blossom
Magnolia Blossom

These ones surely don’t mind the heat and are one of those plants that tolerate, and perhaps thrive, on overnights that stay above 75 F (24 C).

Magnolia Blossom With Peeking Pollinator
Magnolia Blossom With Peeking Pollinator

A single bee was attracted to this huge blossom, giving it a thorough inspection.

Magnolia Blossom and Passing Pollinator
Magnolia Blossom and Passing Pollinator

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 29, 2022

First and third images edited with DxO FilmPack.

Alligator Morning

Alligators were on the move early on this morning despite the morning heat. This water is a canal around an old rice field that sits at the edge of the South Santee River.

Alligator
Alligator

I intended to walk the dike but it wasn’t mowed so that was a non-starter with the tall grass harboring a gazillion mosquitoes and likely a few more Alligators. I plan to go back later in the fall or winter for another look.

Alligators in Canal
Alligators in Canal

Rice Field, Santee Coastal Reserve, SC
August 26, 2021

Skinny Tree at Rest

I would never be surprised to find the Skinny Tree had succumbed to the elements and fallen into the pond. Happily, it made it through another wading bird nesting season,  providing a start to one Great Blue Heron chick in the top nest and five or six Great Egret chicks in at least two nests lower down.

All sorts of birds will use the tree as a perch for the next several months for fleeting moments. Come December the cycle will start again again when the Great Blue Herons start staking out nest sites and hopefully this tree will be around to participate.

The Skinny Tree, Ravenswood Pond
The Skinny Tree, Ravenswood Pond

It appears that the duck box has no bottom, so any Wood Ducks looking for a nesting spot will have to find another location.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 23, 2021