Thursday, December 22, 2011

Happy Holiday for the Georgia Coast

It is Christmas in the Golden Isles. This year the weather is mild and the colors are wonderful. Here are some blue berries of the Red Cedar Tree. Birds love these berries. I have seen Eastern Bluebird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Pine Warblers all eating them. Native plants add beauty to our life and help native animals.
After a little rain our Hickory Trees turned gold for the day. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Golden Isles of Georgia coast.

Birder's Eye View, A book review

Just in time for the Holidays, my friend, Diana Churchill has come out with a wonderful book. Diana has been writing a birding column “Birder’s Eye View” for the Savannah newspaper for years. She has taken some of her best columns and put them into a book. It is titled Birder’s Eye View, Savannah & The Low Country.
But wait it isn’t just a collection of stories about birds. She has put a lot of thought into why birds are here along the Georgia coast. Diana has included a section on habitats. She also includes a resource section for those who want to visit the area and needs some tips. The habitat descriptions and resource guide makes this book an invaluable reference guides for the visitors who wants to explore our coast.
The book is divided into seasons and then by months. Each month has a few charming vignettes of the birds you might find in those months. She adds a section on the backyard for those who want to attract birds to yard. You can meet Diana and see her book at Wild Birds Unlimited in Savannah. I am excited to see this delightful book on the shelves at Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop at Jekyll Island just in time for the holidays. Check it out!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Peregrine raid

Last Thursday, It was chilly. Ok for me, it was cold. However, nothing was stopping my hardy Rambler group from exploring. The tide seemed just right so we were off for a hike to Jekyll Point. We notice the birds were spooky. Red Knots were flying about here and there. It was interesting to watch. I finally spotted an American Oystercatcher, and then Rob spotted five more, then another one. It was great. We got to see a Black Skimmer and compared the two different species. Then the birds all flew. A large Peregrine Falcon came into view. It flew over the birds a few times. Then it landed up the beach. Now that was something to see.






The Peregrine raid made me forget I was cold.




Sorry for the poor picture but this bird was way up the beach.






Saturday, December 3, 2011

Bird Sanctuary caretakers

Yesterday, I went to the Jekyll Island Campground Bird Sanctuary. Elliott and Wilda Corbett, the campground host, were working. They work hard to make the sanctuary look so good. They keep the feeders clean. They make sure the water is flowing. They do so many little task so we all can enjoy this sanctuary. Thanks guys for making this place a great place to watch a wide variety of birds as well as a place to come and reflect.




When I walked up they had exciting news. Someone donated $1000 to the sanctuary. Thanks to that wonderful person as well.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Ducks, ducks and more ducks

There are all kinds of ducks right off Jekyll Island. Most of them are Lesser Scaup. However scan carefully several birders have found Long-tailed Duck tucked into the flocks. There are also all three Scoter. It is so much fun going down and trying to sort them out. The largest flock is off South Dunes Picnic Area.