Snowy Egrets: The other white bird

The other day I wrote about the Great Egret well, the Snowy Egret is the other white bird you often see in the marshes and along the ditches with the Great Egret.  I have had many people inquire if these were "baby" Great Egrets.  The Snowy Egret stands about 24" tall with an all white body and long slender neck, much like the Great Egret, but, the Snowy Egret has a Black bill, long slender mostly black legs with amazingly bright yellow feet!  During breeding season, they too get thee long lacy feathers to use to entice their mate and they eye patch which is usually yellow turns red.



 Here are some Snowy Egrets hanging out on the bank of Clam Creek on Jekyll Island.  This is probably their idea of getting together for lunch with friends, hoping whomever catches the minnows or tadpoles will share their good fortune.

This sassy little Snowy shown above was in a quiet little pond in a residential neighborhood.  She still has a lot of the breeding plumage along the crown, chest and tail.  But, I think she may be embarrassed about her yellow feet. 

The net two photos shown below were taken at the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine.  As I mentioned before if you want to be able to get up close a personal with some of the wading birds this is the place to go.  The first one is a Snowy displaying its fancy plumes in hopes of finding a mate. 

 

In the photo above is a Snowy tending to its nest and carefully turning the eggs.  I was able to get almost within hands reach to lovely bird.  Yet she paid me no mind, she obviously has her priorities straight; Family First!

Great Egrets

In keeping with the bird theme, today I would like to talk about the Great Egret.   Whenever I see a Great Egret; I think Simple Elegance.  The Great Egret stands about 39" tall, is all white with a yellow bill and long slender black legs and feet.  They look sort of prehistoric in light with their long neck tucked in.   During breeding season they get a greenish blue patch in the corner of their eye.  I always tease and say they are wearing their eye shadow.  This bird is so familiar to almost everyone along the Georgia Coast, we see them all time along the marshes, roadside ditches, ponds and even on the beach.  But, have you ever stopped to watch this Egret hunt its prey; they gracefully high step along the muddiest river bank and never seem to get dirty.  Then in a instant they seem to freeze so they cannot be detected by their intended meal.  The pictures below show an Egret in the marsh and one perched in a cedar tree near Ski Rixen Pond on Jekyll Island,  In picture on the right you can see the long plume feathers the Egrets use to display and entice to their potential suitors during mating season.

   

These long feathered plumes almost caused the demise of the Great Egret and many other wading birds in the late 1800's due to hunting the birds for their plumes to decorate fancy hats and boas.  The formation of the Audubon Society surely helped restore these magnificent creatures back to a healthy population.  The picture below is two Egrets displaying and building their nest at Etowah Park which is located o Kings Bay Naval Base.  The Navy Base had originally intended these nesting platforms to be used by the endangered Wood Stork, but the Egrets, Anhingas and Herons moved in quite quickly.  These nesting boxes sit in the middle of a small marshy pond which has developed into a lovely little rookery.  If you take notice around the eyes, you can see the blue/green eye shadow I was speaking of.

These little chicks with bills that seem way too big for their bodies were photographed at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm..  Which I may add should be on your list of places to visit if you would like to see many wild birds up close and personal.  The Alligator Farm also serves as a natural rookery for many amazing wading birds such as the Great Egret, Wood Stork, Snowy Egrets, Tri-color Herons, Cattle Egrets and the always pretty in pink Roseate Spoonbills.

 

 Then last but not least, I leave you with one of my favorite images of the graceful Great Egret taking flight along the creek bank.  This photo was taken along Homer Wilson Way which is an Important Bird Area (IBA) located just west of Mary Ross Waterfront Park in Brunswick.

 

Let's Talk Birds: The Great Blue Heron

I was trying to think of a way to share some of my favorite bird photographs, maybe some of the unique stories behind getting the picture and raise some awareness about the birds in our area and the habitat they chose to live in.

So the plan is over the next few days, I will chose a bird to share.  Since most of our wading birds here along the Georgia Coast are large and easier to see, I think this is a good starting point..  Today it will be the Great Blue Heron.  The Great Blue Heron is probably the largest wading bird in our area.  They stand about 47" tall and have a wing span of about 6'.  This is an elegant and stately bird with gimlet eyes that are ever watchful.   The Great Blue Heron is a sight hunter, wading quietly through the marshes looking for a fish to spear.  The photo below was taken in Jesup along the Altamaha River near the Doctor Town Bridge.  This bird was following a school of fish flying just a few feet at a time instead of walking along with them.  Maybe his feet were tired.  In this picture you can easily see the blue body, long graceful neck, strong legs and the large wings.

 

The Great Blue Heron is a solitary wading bird.  Rarely will you see more than one in the same area, unless it is during breeding season in a colony.  However, they can often be seen wading with Great Egrets, Wood Storks, Ibis and Snowy Egrets.  Although the Great Egret and the Great Blue Heron are both large wading birds, the Great Blue Heron weighs almost twice as much as the Great Egret.  Both of the photos above show the adult Great Blue Heron with all their colors and markings easy to identify.  The pictures on the left show a juvenile Great Blue with a small catfish he speared while fishing and the one below is a close up shot before he ran into the marsh with his prized lunch.  I can't help but wonder how he swallowed that fish without the fins getting caught in his throat.  As you can see in the photos the juveniles are much more muted in color.  These photos are actually some of my newest shots from this weekend at the Okefenokee Swamp Wildlife Refuge in Folkston.

Good Girl...Gone Redneck

  I was raised in Pennsylvania and I had a great childhood, good schools, formal dinners, fast paced lifestyle, traffic everywhere, people everywhere, not many wide open spaces.  My Dad and I use to go out for rides on the weekends and we always managed to find the quieter side of life, along the creek, fishing,  Linvilla Orchard, Ridley Creek State Park, small game hunting in Chester county and big game hunting in the mountains of Pennsylvania.  Our family use to vacation at a different State Park every year,  The peace, quiet, wildlife, trails, I always loved our vacations.  I always liked the more rural side of life.

 I have lived in Georgia for almost 24 years now.  This is my home.  I love it here especially, living  along the coast.  I love the slower pace of life, less traffic, warm weather,  marshes, beaches, dirt roads and the  abundant wildlife.  Now don't get me wrong it gets hotter than hades down here sometimes and the sand gnats could disappear and it would not hurt my feelings, but, overall I love it.  Since I have moved here I must admit, my English is not so proper anymore, I can't remember the last time I wore something other than my jeans, let alone a dress.  Things are much more laid back and less formal.

My Mom often says I have gone redneck...My Dad even bought me a ball cap that says "Good Girl Gone Redneck".  I take this as a compliment.  Rednecks are friendly hard working people, do what you have to, to get by, they are very mannerly and polite, always willing to help and lend a hand.  And if having a good time is a weekend camping on the river, running the dirt roads, cooking out, having Thanksgiving Dinner under a circus tent on paper plates;  then I guess I fit the bill!  Holidays are meant to be spent with family, enjoying each others company, relaxing and kicking back.  WHY ON EARTH would I want to have to cook all day, set a fancy table with dishes and glassware that cannot be put in the dishwasher, clean dishes and pots for the next two hours and have to wear a dress on top of all that???  It's just not me.

Now I don't mind dressing up for a special occasion, I'll do my hair, wear a nice pair of jeans,,ok maybe slacks, shoes... other than my boots, put on the jewelry, (I do like my bling), and if I'm in a good mood...maybe even a little make up.

But redneck, take me as I am, suits me just fine.  I'm a jeans and t-shirt kinds girl who doesn't mind getting her hands dirty.   I don't try to be anything I'm not.


Just Me

Peace and Quiet along the Satilla River

Playtime on the River

Sharing some of my birds

Well, now that we have gotten past what I hope is the bumpiest part of the Recovery road, I would like to share with you some of the birds that visited my yard while I was home caring for Don in the Spring of 2012.  I was able to identify 48 species of birds from my front porch that Spring.  Just shows what you can find or what you have been missing by not taking time to notice the natural beauty around you.  I have a hedge of Bottle Brush Bushes that I have propagated myself from one plant.  If you are not aware of this plant, birds, lots of birds, butterflies, bees and did I mention lots of birds love the sweet nectar of this plant.  Shown below is an up close photo of the plant.

Now I must tell you I also kept all of my bird feeders filled, which included hummingbird nectar, black sun flower seed, corn, peanuts and a regular seed mix.  I also have a Flowering Plum Tree and a citrus tree.  I must admit I was in Bird Nerd Heaven!  Here are just a few of some of my favorites: 


       

Male Cardinal and Female Cardinal

       



 

 

Baltimore and Orchard Orioles

 

The Coveted Painting Bunting,the most colorul bird in North America

  

Carolina Chicakdee and Summer Tanger

 

  

 

Female Ruby Throated Hummingbird and a Male House Finch

 

 

Cape May Warbler

Northern Parula in the Flowering Plum Tree

 

  

Catbird and Tufted Titmouse

Some of the other species I found were:  Indigo Bunting, Yellow Rump Warbler, Mockingbird, Blue Jay, Eastern Bluebird, Red Winged Blackbirds, Cowbirds, Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, Rosebreasted Grosbeak, Red Belkied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker and Evening Grosbeak just to name a few...  Are you starting to understand what a wonderful time I had in my own front yard!  I have always noticed many migrant species in the spring but I had never really taken a whole lot of time to watch my birds.  I've always been in a rush to do a show or go take photographs on the island or elsewhere, when all along I had to go no further than my own home.  The Wonderful little surprises you get when you take the time to notice the Beauty that Surrounds Us

 

Trying to get back in the swing of things

     I know it has been a long time since I have posted on this blog; but I am trying to get back in the swing of things.  My life has been turned upside down for the past couple years, in Oct. 2012 my Mom was diagnosed with uterine cancer, she had surgery and luckily they got all of it.  In that Dec. she was on her way to lunch with the girls and wasn't feeling so good, she pulled into the hospital parking lot tried to walk to the ER and literally fell flat on her face.  They said she had a heart attack, her heart actually stopped beating, she was dead and thanks to God and the medical professionals at Southeast Georgia Hospital in Camden County they saved her life and transported her to Shands in Jacksonville.
     So this sounds like a bit of a shake up; but you haven't heard anything yet!  In Feb 2013, my husband, Don had a severe toe infection leading to a partial amputation of one of his toes, my Dad tore his rotator cuff and required surgery,  Don had just gotten back to work in the end of May and we were looking forward to a quiet Memorial Day weekend when Don was involved in a life altering accident which he is still recovering from.  Later that June of 2013 I found out my Mom had Stage 4 Breast Cancer, which I am proud to say she is kicking Cancer's @ss.
     Many of my friends are also fighting their Battles against that B*tch they call cancer and I am sad to say we have lost loved ones along the way, including my brother in law.  Don spent 5 months in 4 different hospitals in Jacksonville, Florida.  Once he came home, he required many months of in home therapy and was confined to a wheel chair for quite a while.  We also had numerous trips back to doctor appointments and follow up procedures such as the placement of 4 stents in his heart and trying to determine how he can get rid of his trach.  That one has been unsuccessful as of yet.  Then, my Mom had a second heart attack and my Dad was diagnosed with an aortic aneurism.  Ah, my life, not mundane to say the least.  But I happy to say Mom is doing well, Dad never slows down and is always ready to help me with anything I need.
     So you say, Debbie what does all this have to do with the Beauty that Surrounds Us?  These last couple of years I have learned that Nothing is guaranteed, not today and certainly not tomorrow. 
     The Beauty is how you realize how Blessed you are to have so many caring people in your life.
     The Beauty is in the Power of Prayer. 
     The Beauty is in the Miracle of Healing.
     I have been Blessed with the best coworkers and most understanding supervisors, who stood behind me, supported me, donated time and money to help us with bills and the expense of gasoline driving to and from Georgia to Florida.  I missed five months of work while Don was in the hospital and I have missed much more time during his recuperation for the many bumps we have hit in the road to recovery.
     Blessed with parents who are always there for me, even during their own personal struggles.  They never turned their back on me, never turned me down, never stopped coming to the hospital to support me.
     Blessed with friends who stepped up and took care of things at my house, hosted fundraisers, took time to visit with Don.  Friends who took on the task of setting up and selling my photos for shows I couldn't attend.  Friends who have helped during Don's recovery:  taking him to therapy appointments, cutting the lawn, fixing my vehicles and building a ramp for Don.
     The friends who listened to me cry on the phone every night, sometimes in the middle of the night.  Friends I haven't heard from in ages getting in contact to help me through the difficult times and to offer prayers.
     I have been Blessed with renewed friendship and the Love and support of the Best people on earth!
     We have been Blessed with the finest, kindest and most understanding medical professionals during this time.  They have reassured me, educated me, followed us through this bumpy road and have never lost faith in Don.  I can't ever Thank them enough!
     Everyone says I'm so strong, they can't believe what I have gone through, they don't know how I do it; let me tell you it's not about personal strength, physical or mental.  It's about doing what you have to do!  And you can do anything you set your mind to, especially if you have the love and support from family and friends!
     Now that life is starting to regain some normalcy, I am once again exploring the natural beauty of our surroundings and I fully intend on sharing my adventures with you!
    So I will leave you with some photos of the important events of the last few years:

 

  This is what remains of a 1988 Dodge after having a blow out on the front right tire, taking down a highway sign, traveling down a ditch and being stopped by a large pine tree and after extracting Don from the truck.

Don and Susie seeing each other for the first time since the accident, It had been almost 3 months.  Susie and Gracie had been in the truck with Don during the accident.  Susie did suffer a back injury, but our Vet at Southeast Georgia Vet Clinic was awesome and helped her with her recovery.  Gracie had some bumps and bruises and pierced her tongue, but some rest at home with Grandmom and Grandpop healed her quickly.  But they sure did miss their Daddy.

Mom and Dad on Christmas of 2013

 Mom Ringing the Chime and Mom and Dad celebrating her last sessions of Proton radiation therapy.

 Don doing some exercises in bed at Brooks Rehab

 Don and his therapist Shaji helping him stand for the first time since the accident,

Don and our friend Randy working on the motorcycle when Don came home and Don and his outpatient therapist Steve working on exercises and balance over a year later.
The road to recovery is a bumpy but with family, friends, faith, Love and God all is possible!  It is not possible to name all the people who helped my family, but I'm going to try!  Thank you and you mean more to me than words can ever express:  Monica Gibbs, Eric Hodge, Chuck Hiott, Lisa King, Mike Baker, Dave McEwan, John Parker, Mark and Linda Grooms, Chris and Shelly Williams, JD Noyes, Randy and Brenda Jeffcoat, Ricky, Linda, Rebecca and Jerica Davis, Cort Harold, Don Lockhart, Judith Marshall, Lynda Gallagher, Dennis and Donna Reynolds, Sandi Sentell, Sherrie Jo Hendricks, all of my art show family, Al Bradley, Rick Lavoie, Donna Lavoie, My Mom and My Dad.  The wonderful health care professionals at Shands, Memorial, and Brooks Rehab the Doctors and Nurses that went above and beyond to help me and my husband such as Dr. Varun Rimmalapudi, you will never know how you touched my life, Dr. Kevin Hayes, Dr. Van Crisco, Dr. Basil Ramadan, Dr. Christopher Wixon and Dr. Richard Beck.  Thank you to all of you!

Hunting Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina

Last week we headed south so this week we headed north to South Carolina. I woke Don at the wee hour of 5 a.m. and we were out of the house by 5:30 and headed to Hunting Island, South Carolina. There is a historic lighthouse there and it is celebrating 150 years this year! I love to photograph wildlife and scenery. Lately I have a thing for lighthouse and it gave me an excuse to go for a nice long ride. Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day, not so hot temperatures and a clear blue sky. Just as the sun was coming up we were just south of the Broad River bridge when I noticed a group of Wood storks, I made one of my signature U-turns and went back to photograph them.

Then we continued onto Hunting Island State park. There is a $4.00 fee per person to enter the park. But in my opinion it is worth every penny. All the roads going through the park are one way and are canopied with oaks, palms and pines. It is picturesque as the roads wind throughout the park. We went straight to the lighthouse. As I said this lighthouse is celebrating a 150 years in October. It stands 132ft high and has 167 steps going up. Trust on this I know. There is a $2.00 fee for climbing the lighthouse. (Now I have to pay for exercise), (just kidding), it was well worth it. Don's idea of climbing the lighthouse, I think it was his way of getting even for waking him up at 5:00 am. Anyway the view is amazing from the top and the cool breezes were will worth it. Here is a shot of the lighthouse and Don at the top of it. There is a lot of history here and I'm not going to give a history lesson, because I will probably misquote something and I don't want to do that.

After climbing back down the lighthouse we headed out to beach, which is less than 400 ft from the lighthouse. The lighthouse has been moved in the past and I think this will be in its future eventually also. South Carolina has the same beach erosion problems as my beloved Jekyll Island, but I think South Carolina is eroding faster, they have much more wave action than we do. Here is a shot of the waves coming up onto beach near the trees and driftwood. The other is a black&white I took of the nesting dunes for the sea turtles. Loggerhead sea turtles also nest here.

After leaving the lighthouse portion of the park we discovered they also have a lagoon which is perfect for kayaking and fishing. You can also rent cabins at the park. There is also a wildlife viewing area where we spotted an osprey and a marsh board walk which I think you could see alot of wildlife is you hit the tide just right. I was there during high tide and didn't see too much. But, there was a greeter at the parking lot. This adorable young buck still in velvet was standing right at the entrance way. I just had to stop and take a picture. Unfortunately the moron behind me wasn't as enthused with the wildlife and kept blowing his horn. It didn't really bother me or the young buck, we both ignored him until we were through. Here is his picture.

Isn't he cute. Just down from the park there is a nature center fishing pier. There is also a usage fee for this but I am not sure how much. But it definitely seems to be a hot spot there were lots of people there.

After that I drug my hubby to Hilton Head Island, as I said I have a thing for lighthouses and I want to photograph the one at Harbour Town. After paying another $5.00 entrance fee onto Sea Pines and parking a good distance away I finally saw the lighthouse. Unfortunately I was disappointed. Just wasn't what I expected. Here is the photo I took.

And enough said on that topic. We then stopped by to say Hello to my brother in law, Russell, whom lives real close to the Savannah Wildlife Refuge, another of my favorite places. So after our visit Don said we could take a quick ride through the Refuge. It was getting late and I think everyone retired early...I saw a few Anhingas, Moorhens, Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets, only three gators, and this Great Egret. But it was still worth the trip.

This was a very enjoyable day! All said and done we racked up another 300 plus miles on my tired old Chevrolet Pickup and we were quite worn out ourselves by the time we got home. Hunting Island has become another one of my favorite places and is a wonderful example of The Beauty that Surrounds Us.