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!!

I Love Ospreys

Well, life has been hectic that last few weeks and I am sad to say I have not had time to check out my usual haunts nor I have had time to take any new photographs. Which actually I find a bit depressing. Migration is starting and my to do list is a mile long.

One of the many things I will be doing is setting up my Wildlife Personalities and Scenery Booth at the Jekyll Island Shrimp and Grits Festival this weekend. The Festival runs from Friday September 19th thru Sunday the 21st. I can't really tell you much more about the festival other that I am in booth 11. I have never set up here before, but I sure am looking forward to it.

Well, I have decided to share with you some of my favorite pictures of my favorite bird, which is the Osprey. These particular photos were taken on Jekyll Island. I follow this Osprey nest along with others in Camden and McIntosh Counties every year. But this family is by far my favorite. I keep track from the time she starts to build her nest until the young are flying.

The above photos were taken last year. Left to Right. Two baby Ospreys, see the one peeking, Mother Osprey and her two babies, Mom is the one in the middle with the yellow eyes, babies and young adult have orange eyes. The last one looks like he is dreaming of when he will be able to fly....or he could be praying that I would just go away. haha

Above are a couple shots of Mom and Dad in flight and bringing in breakfast. They are beautiful graceful birds. They can be spotted quite frequently around the Coastal Community....they only eat fish.

Below are a few random shots of young Ospreys shortly after leaving the nest.

Well I hope you have enjoyed these photos. If you would like to see more of the Ospreys and/or more of my photos, please check out my new website: http://wildlifepersonalities.shutterbugstorefront.com. Let me know what you think. I would love to hear your feedback. Thanks again and have a great day and remember to appreciate the Beauty that Surround Us.

My Friend has moved on to a better place

Today I had to say a final farewell to a very Special Person and a Dear Friend. My friend Jimmy was a wonderful person who battled with cancer for several years now. He had many small victories, I believe it finally wore him down and he lost the war. I hadn't spoke to my friend recently and was unaware he had taken a turn for the worse. I heard in passing conversation that he was going through a rough time. I tried to call my friend that afternoon and evening, but to avail.....So I left a few upbeat messages and promised to call back the next day.

The next day, I found out my friend had moved on to a better place. I know this sounds cliche', but DO NOT put off talking to or visiting people who are important to you. No matter how busy, how rushed or stressed...it doesn't take long, it doesn't cost anything you can't afford....stop and call or visit. I'm sure it will make them smile and you will better for it also. Don't wait until it is too late.

Friend are a precious gift given to us, they are part of the Beauty that Surrounds Us and often we don't realize it until they too are gone.

I know my Friend is in a better place. Finally eating and fishing again.

I Love You and Miss You Jimmy. I will keep you, your wife and family in my prayers.

Busy, Busy, Busy...slow down and look around

Wow! The last few weeks have been real busy. I have had little time to do any exploring/birding let alone take many pictures. But I did get out to

Andrew's Causeway which is another of my weekly haunts. I saw many great and snowy egrets, 3 great blue herons, a roseate spoonbill, and a little blue heron. I also saw gray kingbirds, mockingbirds, a young loggerhead shrike and several eastern kingbirds, which are among some of my favorites. I was lucky enough to get several good shots. I wanted to share a few with you. I just think they are so majestic looking. A good looking bird.

I was also able to spare a couple hours and go shooting with my friend Greg from work on Saturday morning. We headed out to Jekyll Island of course. As we were coming over the bridge at the pay station we had a very nice treat a chance to stop and photograph this beautiful young osprey while he was sitting on the bridge fishing. I don't think anyone has told him that there is no fishing allowed from that bridge...haha. Well he certainly didn't seem very camera shy either. This is another of my favorite birds. I watch and keep track of several osprey nests throughout breeding season from Jekyll Island to Kings Bay Navy Base. Also a very majestic bird. The morning was cool and clear but warmed up really quickly. We went to the east side of the island to photograph some of the driftwood and to check out any effects from Hannah. Hannah was very kind to us as compared to Fay. I do love the clear blue skies Coastal Georgia has to offer in the early morning hours. What a great way to start the day.

Also on Sunday I drove up to Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge for a meeting of the Colonial Coast Birding and Nature Festival. I always like to arrive early so I can spend some time at Woody Pond. There were bunches of common Moorhens, egrets and little blue herons. But what caught my eye and was a first for me was sitting in the middle of the road about 50 yards away. I saw a Bobcat and her two kittens at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. What a treat. Unfortunately it was too far away to get a good picture but I was just glad I was able to catch a glimpse of them. Harris Neck is a wonderful place. So many things you can see and lots of nice trails to hike. Don't forget to check out the Birding and Nature Festival in October from the 9Th to the 11Th on Jekyll Island at the Convention Center. Stop by and check out the Rookery. Saturday the 11Th is Nature Day. Fun for the whole family. Check out our website at http://www.coastalgeorgiabirding.org/ for more information.

Til next time, remember to slow down and look around....appreciate the Beauty that Surrounds US.