Shorebirds to hawks

It was a warm, wet day. I wasn't sure the ramble was going to go. It looked like it was going to pour any minute. However, the tides were suitable for lots of shorebirds. I just had to go. It was worth it. Shorebirds, gulls, terns, and skimmers were up and down the south end from the 4-h center to Jekyll Point.

We were the only ones who noticed this gathering. This Bald Eagle came in for a “look see.” Just about the same time, a Merlin flew in from the northwest. The Merlin did not stick around when the eagle landed. It flew off north. About the same time, a male Northern Harrier seemed to drop in and fly low over the dunes. We watched as it flew southwest over the beach over the water and out of sight. Hawks and shorebirds a great way to spend a morning. By the way, it didn't rain either.

Stormy Evening in the Golden Isles

Last night, we had rain. October was a dry month here. Rain is very welcomed. Plus rain clouds fascinates me. Here is the approaching storm. It was so beautiful especially from the top of the Jekyll Creek Bridge. I drive over this bridge all the time. I often want to stop. Last night was the evening I did. I park the van and walked to the top. Wow! look at this image. No wonder they named this the Golden Isles.

Digiscoping attempt

My old camera gave up working back in April. I brought a cheap digital camera. It does not take the pictures I see but no camera has ever done that for me, that is why I am an artist. Any way I have been playing around with digiscoping. It not great but I do love shorebirds.
Here are some red knots at the south end. Here is a ruddy turnstone with a red knot at the southend of Jekyll.

Monarch time

Today I took a little walk and found the groundsel blooming. With blooming of the groundsel, the monarchs will be coming. Beautiful!

Butterflies at the Georgia Coast Birding & Nature Festival

The Georgia Coast Birding and Nature Festival had quite a few great nature walks. My thanks to Christa Frangiamore Hayes of Coastal WildScapes for leading the Friday walks on Latham Hammock. This is a place we drive by on the way to Jekyll Island. What a special place especially for butterflies. Here are a couple of pictures taken by Christa of the Tawny Emperor they found there.

Georgia Coast Birding and Nature Festival posts on Zeiss blog

Wow! The last few weeks have been a blur but the birding festival was worth. If you missed it this year, mark your calendar for next year. The festival is alway the second week in October.
While I gather my wits about me, here is a couple of post on Stephen Ingraham's blog. Enjoy!

The Golden Isles Blog on the festival

The planning is finished. The Georgia Coast Birding and Nature Festival is just around the corner. Here a link to Brunswick and Golden Isles Travel News Blog. Take a look.