A Beautiful Day at the Ampitheater

I am so sorry it has been so long since I last wrote. I must admit the winter weather gets me a bit down. I can't handle the cold as well as I use to and I truly love seeing the sun shine down on us. There is nothing more depressing than a cold gray gunmetal sky. AND that certainly was not the case today!!! It was a glorious morning, sun shining weather warming and birds singing and flowers blooming.

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!!

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.