I’m far from an expert on insects, so I can only guess as to the identification of this bee. The best I could come up with is Green-eyed Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica). But beyond that, it gets complicated. I just think it’s a fascinating creature and wanted to share.
The Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus) is one of Georgia’s most beautiful butterflies, easily distinguished from other swallowtails by its long greenish-white and black pattern, said to be reminiscent of a zebra. It also has notably longer tails than other swallowtails in Georgia. They can be found in numerous environments, and are occasionally even spotted in yards, but most commonly gather in overgrazed pastures and roadsides. This individual was photographed in August 2009 on Dickson Mill Pond Road, not far from the Ocmulgee River. Someone who knows plants better than I do may be able to confirm, but I believe it’s feeding on a Green Milkweed (Asclepias viridis). Swallowtails are known to have an affinity for a variety of milkweeds.
Big Hammock Natural Area & WMA provide public access to some of the most pristine land on the north side of the Altamaha River, featuring vast hardwood bottomlands, sand ridges, and numerous oxbow lakes and sloughs.
Part of the property was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1976, and is home to a large population of the rare Georgia Plume (Elliottia racemosa), as well as numerous other plant and animal species.
Taylor Lake is a large oxbow near the access point.
The cavity of this ancient Blackgum, or Tupelo, (Nyssa sylvatica) was at least fifteen feet in height.
From the smallest skippers to alligators, wildlife abounds throughout Big Hammock.
The road varies from open to canopy. The canopied sections are the coolest, but beware the mosquitoes.
You’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle on most days if you’re driving to the river. These road signs probably won’t be much help, either.
Old Field Lake is a small slough surrounded by Tupelo trees which can be a clue as to past high water marks.
There were quite a few American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) in this area.
There are many natural pools and bays to explore, most ephemeral in nature.
If you make it all the way to the river, you’ll be afforded a view like this one, at J. E. Stanfield Landing. The river is characteristically wide here.