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.
Alligators and Yellow-bellied Sliders
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.
Alligators and Yellow-bellied Sliders
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.
Alligators and Yellow-bellied Sliders
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 12, 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.
Loggerhead Turtle Hatchling Going Into Ocean – about 2 inches (5 cm) long
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.
Alligator ramps around the pond provide a fairly safe and dry spot for the Wood Duck ducklings to dry off and preen.
Wood Duck Chicks and Turtle
The Yellow-bellied Slider seemed oblivious to their occupation of his sunny spot.
Wood Duck Chicks and Turtle
Mama Wood Duck stayed in the water, patrolling for safety. Other times I have observed this there has been a Wood Duck drake nearby, also on alert, but I did not see one this time.
This pretty spot on the Enoree River in Clinton, SC, was the impetus of the August 19, 1780 Revolutionary War Battle of Musgrove’s Mill. Possession of this easy to ford section of the river in the rural, agricultural area was the impetus behind the skirmish.
Enoree River at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
A modern bridge less than 1000 feet (300 Meters) downstream made this site obsolete for river passage a long time ago.
Turtle in Enoree River at Musgrove
The day I visited a few turtles playing “king of the hill” was the extent of the activity.
A few Great Egrets were swooping over the pond as they vied for mates or nesting spots in the nearby trees.
Great Egret Flying Over Alligators, Turtles
Some were gathering sticks for their nests but they were easily distracted when another Great Egret invaded their space.
Great Egret Flying Over Turtle
Occasionally I’ve seen a large Alligator snap at a bird flying overhead without making contact, but these smallish Alligators and turtles ignored the aerial displays going on above them.
