We've been teetering on the edge... of the country. You could say we have taken a hint from the birds and are migrating northward.
We're taking it slow. Enjoying our both our down time and our outdoor time. The weather has been perfect or nearly so.
While visiting with Darlene's eldest in Thunderbolt, GA, we spotted our first Cedar Waxwings. Nicole was so enthralled that she just watched them and never did get a photo. Here's a clip from one of our books.
They are a very pretty bird.
Spiderwort looking neither spidery or worty.
After we left GA we stopped in at the Savannah NWR. Their visitor center was closed but we took the auto-tour with about 30 other cars. There was a lot of alligator spotting but not so much bird spotting. We stopped to walk to their bird blind (which was closed). It was nice to get out of the line of cars though and stretch our legs.
The Tent Caterpillars were out taking a stroll, as well.
Orchard Orbweavers were doing their thing.
Darlene took one look and casually said 'Vinca'. Darlene = right. Nicole = Impressed.
This Female Blue Dasher Dragonfly flirted for a while.
These were so tiny and delicate looking.
They are called Fineleaf Fumitory.
The Retro Inky Caps were looking rather fresh and in-style.
The next day we headed off to explore the Santee NWR. The visitor center is in a wonderful location right on the water.
However, it was closed.
As we were getting ready to leave and head out to explore other parts of the refuge a woman in refuge attire (who happened to be the new manager) walked by. We talked with her for a bit about the place and what we should see. She suggested the auto-tour drive and said we'd probably see her down there as she was heading that way.
We did see her down there and she apologized for forgetting that the drive was closed. She then proceeded to tell us she was having trouble with the clicker for the new electric gate they had installed.
We told her we just happened to know a little something about them from our volunteer experience in NM and proceeded to show her how to operate the gate (in alternate ways).
Thankful for our help, she then opened the gate, let us in and closed it behind us and told us to take our time. We had the entire 7.5 mile auto loop to ourselves. Not too shabby of a deal.
It is a really neat loop. Possibly one of the nicest we have seen.
There are a variety of landscapes from grassy fields, shady treed spots and wetlands.
Although again we did not see any new-to-us birds, we did see many familiar ones. Our camera is not known for its zoom capabilities. Yet Nicole often pushes it to the max in an effort to identify something very far away. She was trying to ID what we now know to be an Osprey which was flying a good distance away. Apparently, someone else wanted to be in the shot.
Check out the unexpected Dragonfly Photo Bomb!
The Crimson Clover added a bit of color to the scene.
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