This morning I headed out to Jekyll Island and decided to go to the old Amphitheater. If you have never been it is truly worth the trip. The Amphitheater is located across from the historic district and down from the firehouse. There are two dirt roads leading to a parking lot which is canopied by huge old oak trees, then a little archway leads you to the Amphitheater and the pond. Be sure to bring your binoculars!!
There are several paths winding through the woods that are filled with huge oaks, pines and lots of palmetto. Where there is a gentle breeze it will softly rain down oak leaves all around you. If you take the first path to your right and follow it around it will lead you to the back of the actual Amphitheater. The Amphitheater is no longer used all the remains are signs of time gone by. One sight that you are likely to see if you climb the step to the audience seating or sneak in back stage is a large array of Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures often seated on the benches or readied on the light poles as if waiting for the show to begin. Some people refer to them as the critics.
If you continue around on the path you will come to the Pond. The pond is an almost magical place. This is where many Great Egrets, Woodstorks, Anghingas and Night Herons come to nest and or roost. Here are some shots I took of a Juvenile and an Adult Yellow Crowned Night Heron along with a shot of the Woodstorks.
It is real important to try and not disturb these birds as many are nesting and tending to their young or simply trying to find a quiet place to rest. The area is abundant with squirrels, songbirds, some gnats, an occasional gator in the pond and if you're real quiet and time it just right you might even see my timid little three legged friend, whom I call Dolly.
The Jekyll Island Amphitheater and Pond are just one more example of some local places to find all The Beauty that Surrounds Us. Please remember to take everything you brought with you and keep it a beautiful place for those who visit after us. Until next time Take the time to slow down and look around. Be Safe!!
2 comments:
Yes indeed those vultures are just waiting for a good play. They love being theater critics. Glad to see you are getting out. It is beautiful out there.
A good friend of mine was in the outdoor production of "Drumbeats in Georgia," back in the middle '70's. I've wandered back to the amphitheater a couple of years ago and was amazed that it still existed. Its a shame its not used.
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