Merry Christmas

WOW! It has been a busy time of year. I would like to take a moment and wish everyone a very safe and Merry Christmas. I am pleased to report that in spite of the economy and our illustrious government I found the Christmas Spirit to be very plentiful this year. At work we were involved in the Angel Tree/Santa Tree program. People sponsored a child or family and helped make their Christmas much Merrier. In all we were able to help about 100 families in the Camden County area. I must say some of my co-workers went all out. It was great seeing people giving and being so generous and having so much fun doing it!!

Then my favorite local radio station The Wave 104.1, put on their own radio-thon to raise money for coastal Georgia families. The always entertaining Joe Willie Sousa and Mike Cornell stayed in the studio and on the radio all day last Friday. They raised in excess of $2600.00! WAY TO GO GUYS!!! Everyone is feeling the belt tighten a bit this year and I think it was amazing that our little coastal community pulled together to raise this money to help those less fortunate. This is the true meaning Christmas! This is the true Beauty that Surrounds Us.

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry and Blessed Christmas! Please be safe during your holiday travels and look forward to hearing from you again next year!!

Remember:

Live Simply............
Love Generously....
Care Deeply.............
Speak Kindly...........
Give Freely...............

Jekyll Island Tree Lighting

Saturday evening was the official lighting of the Holiday Tree on Jekyll Island. There was everything from giant bubbles, jumpy houses, Santa Claus, singing and dancing on stage, there was snow....yes you heard me snow, a few other vendors along with the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Coastal Georgia Audubon.

Seen Below is Marge, Lydia, Mika, Cathy, Rainey and Trish.

I was there with our Audubon Chapter. We were setting up to help children and their parents make pine cone bird feeders. Lydia Thompson had done this last year so she was our leader. We also had help from some lovely interns Mika, Rainey and Kathy along with Ms. Chunn. Boy was I glad they were there. This means I didn't have to get covered in peanut butter. haha. I and my husband, Don, tried to help out by being the gophers. Lydia, Ms. Chunn, Rainey, Mika and Kathy helped the children pick out a pine cone, tie a string around it, slather it in peanut butter and then roll it in bird seeds, carefully place them in bags and help clean their little hands. Marge Innes was there helping the kids color pictures of painted buntings and talking to them about birds and selling souvenirs to support Nature Day. Trish MacMilllian was busy modeling our fancy bird feeders and lining the little ones up. Me...I took the role of photographer/gopher and it suited me just fine.

Here are some pictures of the kids making the bird feeders. I think they made some where in the ball park of 180 bird feeders. Let me tell you....that's alot of peanut butter and pine cones.

I was amazed at how many people came out. Some even brought their dogs. Everybody needs a little Christmas spirit.

All in all I think everyone had a good time. I personally appreciate all the hard work everyone did, and a special thanks to Miss Janie Smith at Wild Birds Unlimited on Jekyll Island for all the needed supplies, including the little red wagon.

If you have time you should stop in Wild Birds Unlimited they have a huge selection of bird feeders, yard ornaments, books, and so much more. Definitely go to Jekyll Island and check out all the lights and decorations. They have been stringing lights for over a month and it is beautiful.

Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge

Well, I hope every one had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. I personally have been enjoying a nice extended weekend. Spending lots of time with my Hubby. Once again I rousted my husband out of bed at 5:00 am and on Friday we took a trip to Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge, which is located right off Interstate 95 at exit 67 in McIntosh County. On the corner of Harris Neck Road sits the Smallest Church in America. Which is so sweet and quaint. The doors are open all the time for everyone to enjoy and worship.

Well, when we arrived at the Refuge the gates weren't open yet. The Refuge doesn't open until 6:30 am. So we took a ride down to the Barbour River Boat Ramps and watched the sunrise. This is my favorite time of morning. I love watching the world wake up and start a new day. Here are some of the pictures I took.

After the sunrise we headed back to the Refuge and encountered a young doe frantically trying to cross the road. We stopped and let her safely pass. When we reached the entrance the gates were open. There is no charge for entering Harris Neck. It offers a boat ramp and fishing pier at the immediate entrance. It also offer many hiking trails and a wildlife drive. My first stop was Woody Pond. In the spring and summer Woody Pond is loaded with nesting wading birds. This time of year is mostly ducks, coots, moorhens and cormorants along with some wading birds. Here are some shots of the Common Moorhens, American Coots ans Blue Winged Teals I saw along with some scenic shots..

We then continued on to Goose Pond. Goose Pond requires a bit of walking but, it was a nice cool morning and bugs weren't bad. When we arrived a t the Pond I immediately noticed the Woodstorks feeding, the Green Winged Teals and a few Hooded Mergansers. But, it was my husband, Don who noticed the white bird all by itself. It was a Snow Goose, I have never seen a Snow Goose so this was quite a treat. Here are the pics from Goose Pond.

We stopped by the Office to confirm that it was a Snow Goose we had seen and Ms. Pat Metz agreed and said it had been here for about two weeks now. We had a very enjoyable day. These are just a few of the things Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge has to offer. But there are many more Ponds and Trails. There is definitely alot of beauty to be seen here and in the County of McIntosh. 'Til next time be safe and take the time to slow down and look around.

Savannah Wildlife Refuge

So sorry it has taken me sooo long to post this. What a great weekend!! On Saturday evening I asked my hubby to join me for my Sunday Road Trip. He grumbled a bit when I told him if would have to get up at 5 am. But, he agreed. We ventured a bit further north than we usually do. We went to the Savannah Wildlife Refuge, which is just across the South Carolina border. This is a well managed and beautifully maintained Refuge. It has a four mile driving nature trail winding through the refuge. The dikes between the lochs are very well maintained and makes for easy walking or biking. My favorite part of the driving trail is the first mile. This area is chock full of water birds, wading birds and raptors. The day was picturesque. Cool, clear, crisp, a bit windy, but, blue skies were endless.

Our first encounter was a Great Blue Heron fishing in the reeds. As we rounded the next bend we saw this tree just chock full of Cormorandts and Anhingas.

The next picture is actually on of my favorite wading birds, the Little Blue Heron and right beside him was this feeding Tri-Colored Heron.

As we were looking across the marsh watching as Osprey fishing, that's when we noticed all the American Coots and Common Moorhens, they were out in droves.
We also saw a Harrier Hawk flying low over the Marsh and a Red Tailed Hawk, all within the first mile of the Refuge. As we continued through the Refuge at times you feel like you are in tunnels, the way the trees arch over the roads and meet together the light poking through every now and then. It is so peaceful.

At about the three mile marker we spotted this little Doe feeding quietly in the grass and just down from her we saw another pair of Red Tailed Hawk and a Vulture soaring over the fields. The only regular residents of the Refuge we didn't see were the Alligators, it must have been a bit chilly for them. I have seen some really BIG Gators out here. Here is picture of one I saw back in the summer.

Although this is a little further than my typical morning rides, it is definitely worth the drive. This is a place where beauty abounds.

Finally, Back to Jekyll Island

Sorry it has taken me so long to write. Life has given me a surprise dose of reality. But, I'm not going to dwell on it!! Besides that I have been real busy with Festivals and Shows. I have been to some nice places such as Reidsville, Jesup, Soperton and Darien. The Darien Fall Festival was this past Saturday. I had a really good time. But, one of the best things about it is that now it is over and I don't have anymore shows until December 6th and 7th on St. Simons Island.

So....that means that first thing Sunday I was up and out of the house with my camera in hand!! Woohoo!! It has been at least a month since I have been able to just ride around and take some pictures. I headed for the little pond in Brunswick but nobody was home. On my to Jekyll Island I spotted this beautiful Great Egret standing in a pine tree. She is a picture of elegance

Then I continued my way to Jekyll Island. It was a glorious morning, cool and crisp with lots of sunshine and clear blue skies. Just before crossing the bridge onto the island to the toll booth. I spotted another familiar sight, unfortunately I couldn't get a real clear picture but you get the idea. The Bald Eagle is the most majestic bird. This adult is stunning. There is also a juvenile that hangs out on the causeway, his head isn't quite all white yet and his body still has some white speckled in with the brown. I also saw two Red Tailed Hawks and an Osprey. Keep your eyes open around there. They love to perch on the telephone poles.

I headed for the South End of the Island and started walking thru the dunes when I came upon my first visitor. A cute and brazen little marsh rabbit. He actually made me feel like I was interrupting his breakfast. He was kind enough to allow me to pass by hopping off the walkway for just a minute so I could continue on my way.

I wish I could have gotten a picture of my next encounter but it happened too quick and he wasn't sticking around for a photo op. As I walked down the little path enjoy the morning sun, I startled an impressive six point Buck. I usually see a Doe out this way but, never the Buck. We both froze for about a minute, and as I reached for my camera behind my back and ever so gingerly removed the lens cap and stuck it in my back pocket. He just stared not moving a muscle. But......, when I turned it on he heard the flash pop up. He raised his head, I think he snickered at me and calmly walked back into the brush. Just before I lost sight of him he flipped me the tail!! It was nice experience. Here is a picture I took of the Doe earlier this year.

I continued on to the Southern Point of Jekyll Island which is land marked by a sunken shrimp boat mast. For me this end of the Island is like a treasure chest. You never know what you find here. There are a great number of shore birds that come here to rest such as : Brown Pelicans, Black Skimmers, American Avocets, Oystercatchers, Ruddy Turnstones, Piping Plovers, Sanderlings, many types of Terns and Gulls just to name a few. I, as usual, was not disappointed. Here are a few shots I took while I was there.

As I was leaving the South End I couldn't help but notice all the colorful winged beauty flying around me. There were thousands of Gulf Fritilaries and Monarch Butterflies every where. Here is a shot of a popular hangout for the Fritilaries.

Well this concludes my brief Sunday stroll. I cautiously invite all of you to visit the South End of the Island. But please keep this in mind, these birds are here to rest. This is a pristine place. This is not the place to bring your dogs to run. Dogs like to chase birds and this stresses the resting birds. Also remember that whatever you bring with you, you take with you. There are no trash cans on this stretch of beach. Do not disturb the dunes, birds and turtles nest here. This is thier home. We are lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit on occasion. I definitely class this as a place where the Beauty Surrounds Us. Have a Great Day!!

Jekyll Island Bird Banding Station

During the Colonial Coast Birding and Nature Festival last week, which by the way I feel was a great success. I had the opportunity to visit the Jekyll Island Bird Banding Station. The Station is located at the South end of the island amidst the dunes. The Station has been in operation for thirty years and is run by Chris, Jan, and Charles. All the work they do is volunteer. They place rows a large nets up in the dunes and as the birds get caught in the nets they collect them and determine sex, birth year, body fat, body length, wing length and weight. Then they fit them with the appropriate band with an identification number on it. Then the bird is released. All this is done while putting minimum stress on the birds. These people truly have a love for what they do.
While I was there we saw some really nice birds. I got to release a female Painted Bunting and I heard the heat beat of a Western Palm Warbler. It was amazing.
Below are some pictures of the birds we saw.

Above from left to right: Female Painted Bunting, White Eyed Vireo and Yellow Breasted Chat. Below left to right: Western Palm Warbler and a Yellow Billed Cuckoo.

These are just a few of the birds we saw. We also saw a Male Cardinal, American Redstart, Gray Catbird and a Northern Water Thrush. I found this experience amazing. The information they gather helps identify migration patterns, breeding populations, health of the birds, and rise and or decline in species.

Colonial Coast Birding and Nature Festival

Well it is finally here!! The 6Th Annual Colonial Coast Birding and Nature Festival. I am so looking forward to this, so many people have worked so hard to make this year's Festival a success. The Festival runs from Oct. 9Th thru 13Th. Saturday the 11Th is Family Nature Day! Family Nature Day is filled with activities for everyone. Beach and marsh walks, seminars and workshops, lots of interactive booths in the Rookery at the Convention Center. You can learn about Birds, the Georgia Coast, Butterflies, Reptiles, watch the LIVE Raptor Show, The Wave 104.1 Radio Station will be doing a LIVE broadcast from 10 am to Noon giving away lots of goodies and much much more!!

Be sure to stop by Beautiful Jekyll Island this weekend. All information can be found at The Rookery in Atlantic Hall in the Convention center.

Hope to see you there!

Camden County Dirt Roads

What a beautiful weekend. I don't think the weather could be any more perfect. On Sunday my hubby and I went for a ride just to pass some time and maybe get a few pictures. I asked him if we could go by Burnt Fort Chapel. So we took the scenic route.

I love to travel dirt roads. While riding down Bailey's Mill Road, I saw an adult raccoon cross the road. So I slowed way down to see if any babies were following. I stopped and looked up in the trees and there I found two young raccoons. I got out of the truck and snapped a few pictures. This was a treat. I love raccoons. We raised three of them when I was child.

Then we continued on our way and headed to the Chapel. I have photographed the Burnt Fort Chapel before, but it was a wet and rainy day before and I wasn't happy with the pics. But I had clear blue skies on Sunday.

This is the Chapel. Well actually a replica on the old Chapel.

Then we drove down 251 to the Camden County/Charlton County line where the Satilla River passes under the bridge. We drove down the little dirt road leading us under the bridge. Usually there are always people camping there. Unfortunately, when some people camp here, they forget how to clean up after themselves. This has always confused me a bit. They obviously like being outdoors, enjoy nature, appreciate the boat ramps and the fact that the county allows them to camp here for free; yet they trash the place and won't even clean up after themselves. Oh well, enough said.

But, today we had it all to ourselves. This is a beautiful place. The contrast between the black water. green trees and the blue skies, the river was high and wide. Just a glorious day.

Well once you pass under the bridge and pass the boat ramp, there is a gate with a no parking sign on it. No Parking not No Trespassing. So I drove thru the gate and within fifty feet or so I saw I lovely butterfly. A Spicebush Swallowtail I believe. So I jumped out of the truck, camera in hand and took this picture.

While out of the truck, I noticed it stopped running, I just assumed my hubby turned it off. That is not what happened. My truck, my trusty 1996 white Chevrolet pickup with 330,000 miles on the odometer, died.....I could not get it to start.

My white knight whom usually rescues me, is right beside me, what is a girl to do....all else fails, call Daddy!! My Dad, bless his heart was out fishing at the other end of St. Marys. He dropped everything to come help us.

Dad to the rescue.

Pulling my truck out. Thanks to Dad and my wonderful husband they towed my baby home...and fixed her THAT NIGHT!! Woohoo lucky me, only the fuel pump. They worked until dark to get her up and running. I'm a lucky lady to have wonderful family.

It just goes to show that family, people, places and such are all a part of the beauty that surrounds all of us. Thanks again Guys..Love ya!!