Among North America’s largest birds, Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) are quite familiar during their annual migrations from the northern reaches of the continent to the southern United States and Mexico. They’re known for their loud calls and their habit of gathering in large numbers. I encountered around a thousand individuals yesterday feeding in freshly plowed fields saturated with recent rains.
This young bird was spotted in Waterfront Park.
One of the most beautiful raptors in North America, Swallow-tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) are a South American species which breeds in scattered locations around the South in spring. By late August they begin their long migration to South America and it’s during this time that these special birds, along with Mississippi Kites (Ictinia mississippiensis), can be observed in large numbers in Long County. Bird watchers descend at a remote farm near the Altamaha River in growing numbers each year to see this phenomenon.
Purple Martins (Progne subis) are a well loved migrant in South Georgia. The largest swallows in North America, they have long been welcome on farms for their ability to consume thousands of insects. Gourd trees are often erected on farms and in open backyards as a means of attracting the gregarious birds, who live and nest in cavities. I found these as I was photographing the Willcox house.
The Purple Martin Conservation Association is dedicated to promoting and protecting these wonderful birds.
Florida Cooters (Pseudemys floridana) are quite common in South Georgia. Though often called “Box Turtles” they are a very different species, much larger and more often seen.
Woody Pond is perhaps the most popular spot for birding at Harris Neck, though there are many other places to ramble in this place that I consider one of the best-kept secrets of the Georgia Coast. Whether a birder, hiker, bicyclist or just plain nature aficionado, there is much to be seen.
Walk along the dam for a sure encounter with some natives!
Very soon, the rookeries of the pond will be abuzz with new life. Wood Storks (Mcyteria americana) are a big presence here though not as commonly seen in winter. On that last day I visited, American Coots and Common Gallinules were the most populous residents.
Common Gallinule (Gallinula galeata), Woody Pond.
The gallinules can be easily distinguished from the coots by their bright orange and yellow bills.
American Coot (Fulica americana)
Of course, the other big attraction at Woody Pond is the alligator population. But remember, don’t harass them!
You’ll generally see smaller ones in winter, but they live here year round!
Take nothing but pictures, and lots of good memories. You’ll want to return in the spring.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harris_Neck_National_Wildlife_Refuge
The Atlantic Ghost Crab (Ocypode quadrata) or Ghost Fiddler can be spotted at the edges of dunes and vegetation all over the Georgia coast, though they can be a bit elusive, quickly disappearing into the sand [below].
Commonly known as the Banana Spider, the Golden Silk Orb-weaver (Nephila clavipes) is the most common large spider in Coastal Georgia and can be found in a number of diverse habitats.
Because they are not hunted on the island, White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are quite tame. Like other mammals isolated on islands, they are generally smaller than their mainland counterparts.
I was lucky enough to be on Jekyll Island this weekend for the release of two rehabilitated “patients” by the great folks at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
A large crowd was on hand to witness this special event.
The first of the two releases was an immature Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) named Ebb. Ebb was found in a tidal pool on Jekyll Island on 7 July 2013 and was a bit anemic.
The second patient to be returned to the Atlantic Ocean was Cinnamon, a Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta). The sub-adult turtle, approximately 15 years old, was found stranded on Blackbeard Island on 29 June 2013 and was rehabilitated at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s Turtle Hospital.
These events don’t happen every week, so check with the Sea Turtle Center for schedules. Every release represents a victory for the environment.
The work of the center is ongoing, including perhaps the most important work of all, the monitoring of sea turtle nests around the island and on other barrier islands. Nesting appears to have steadily increased since the work was initiated, and for the fourth consecutive year a record number have been recorded. 2,241 have been monitored this year!
Please visit when you find yourself on Jekyll Island. It’s some of the best work the state of Georgia does and the money raised by admission fees is used exclusively for the educational and rehabilitative mission of the center. They’re located at the old Jekyll Island Power Plant (1903), which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.