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.
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
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.
Today I was quite pleased to spot this Roseate Skimmer perching on a dried hibiscus stem on the patio.
I was even more pleased that he was still there after I went in for my camera.
He stayed around for quite awhile, with the classic dragonfly behavior of returning to the same perch, giving me plenty of viewing options.
September 3, 2022
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.
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).
A single bee was attracted to this huge blossom, giving it a thorough inspection.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 29, 2022
First and third images edited with DxO FilmPack.
July 2, 2022
July 2, 2022
Middleton Place House Museum under fluffy summer sky.
September 2, 2021
Alligators, just doing their thing.
They clearly know when to give way, and when they can pass on by.
Rice Field, Santee Coastal Reserve, SC
August 26, 2021
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.
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.
Rice Field, Santee Coastal Reserve, SC
August 26, 2021
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.
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
Singles
Doubles
Groups
