Mollusk Sightings – The Hermits' Rest

Little Holiday Gifts

I promised some plant photos, and I’ll add them here, but first I wanted to share the gifts I received on this Christmas morning. Now, my family is only exchanging handmade gifts, which we will exchange later. So my gifts today were experiences.

I set out for a morning hike with just my binoculars (arms are tired from hoisting the telephoto lens). Of course, I later wished I’d brought one of the Canons. I just decided to enjoy what I saw without worrying about recording it. And I received so many beautiful gifts.

Three Queen and one Snout butterfly on Mexican Winged Crownbeard.

The butterflies were magical, especially around these nondescript plants with tiny blossoms, Narrowleaf Forestiera (Forestiera angustifolia). The blossoms may be tiny, but butterflies, bees, and even flies love this source of winter nectar.

I knew they were blooming because I heard a plant buzzing with pollinators, then I saw dozens of butterflies covering the bushes like ornaments. There were the Snouts I saw yesterday, joined by Queens, Monarchs, and Red Admirals. What a gift to see this reminder that something is blooming all year round here.

The other gifts of the morning occurred while I was at the bird blind area. First, I was able to help three families understand what they were seeing by pointing out the birds and telling about the plants. I enjoyed the thanks and getting to share some of what I’ve learned as a Master Naturalist and Merlin fan.

My reward was spending enough time at the blind to see fun bird behavior. For example, the birds decided it was bath time and I got to watch four Orange-crowned Warblers splashing and splashing in the puddle made by the drip waterer. They were then joined by Cardinals. The blurry photo shows where they were.

Right after that a chubby little Yellow-rumped Warbler took a bath right in front of me. It was so fluffy and scruffy and wiggly. If I had the good camera, there would be some charming photos. Instead you get this.

Geez. You can’t even see the bird. This phone camera is a mess.

But the thing is that I saw all this, which is what matters. Between all this fun and talking to my friends and family, Christmas morning was wonderful. I hope you can find beauty and joy wherever you are today. Who needs presents when you have nature and the meaning of the season.

Now, as my gift to you, here are a few of my favorite plant and scenery photos from yesterday and today!

Go enjoy your day!

It’s Cold So It Must Be December

I realize we had an earlier cold snap, but the front that came through last night (all the way to Rockport/Fulton) looks like it wants to stick around. I can’t complain, because we got at least a little rain at the ranch (I will know more tomorrow). It looks like maybe more rain is coming to replenish the water table.

It rained last night, but wasn’t as windy at Goose Island. I was able to take one fairly pleasant walk that was only moderately cold. Since the wind was less, I could use Merlin, and identified two more life list birds! One I saw pretty well, a White-tailed Kite. The other was a Short-Billed Dowitcher, which I can’t tell from a Dunlin or Long-billed Curlew. I need to go back to the sanctuary in Port Aransas where they are all together so I can compare.

All sorts of fun birds were out, even a Palm Warbler and a very persistent Yellowthroat, so while I waited on IT to fix something at work, I went back to the pier. It was getting colder, but I enjoyed seeing some cannonball jellies, oystercatchers, very loud Caspian Terns, and so many loons. The highlight, though, was when I realized the slapping noises I heard were dozens of fish jumping out of the water! I’ve always enjoyed it since I was a kid watching mullets jump in the canals in South Florida.

After I got some work done, we drove home with no major issues (hurray) in light rain. Ooh, on our way out of the park, a gorgeous fox crossed the road in front of us, turned to look for a few seconds, then quietly disappeared into the brush. What a great farewell!

I had time once we got home to do my beginning-of-the-month tasks, like tallying the birds at the ranch for November. We had 110 species, which I find pretty darned impressive. I’ve slowed down with new species, which was only one. Of course, my mind is a blank…but you can see the list right here.

I still have to tally up the bird sanctuary list, which I hope to do tomorrow or at least later this week. I did bring the porch plants inside, just in case it freezes. Ah. It’s December!

Ancient and Avian Wonders

Yesterday was our last day at Hilton Head, so we did those last few things you hadn’t done yet. One was eat at Hudson’s, my favorite restaurant. Even though we tried to get in at a less-busy time, we would have had a 40-minute wait for outdoors. Indoors wasn’t as fun, but I enjoyed some oysters anyway.

We found a Brown Pelican, and a Snowy Egret to take photos of, which made for a fun dessert!

After that we headed over to the Coastal Discovery Museum, which is a former hunting lodge that was donated to the island when the last owner passed away.

Too many gorgeous trees to get a good building photo.

They have turned the main house into a museum about the environment and history of this area. There was also an exhibit of art by local high school students, which was impressive. The exhibit I liked best was live horseshoe crabs swimming around and playing with the bubbles in their aerator. I’d never seen one alive.

The best part of the visit was the outdoor exhibits. There were boardwalks leading onto the tidal marsh, which was wonderful, with many birds and rushing water.

There was a butterfly exhibit with many monarchs flying around and lots of lovely plants to photograph them on. We were very glad Lee had brought the good camera, because some of the images are gorgeous.

There was also a carnivorous plant exhibit, and you know how much I love carnivorous plants! I also found a beautiful fly on one of the pitcher plants. I added some pictures we took of flowers, because they are so pretty.

Venus flytrap *Dionaea muscipula (*native to the Carolinas)

Lee went to sit and watch birds with the camera while I explored the rest of the place. He got some good shots.

Meanwhile, I looked at the dragonfly pond, which didn’t have any dragonflies, but did have an alligator that I almost didn’t see.

A big highlight of the museum grounds was the largest red cedar tree in South Carolina. Even before I read the sign that said it probably started out in 1595, I thought to myself that I’d never seen a cedar with such an impressively gnarled trunk. What a treasure!

I saved the best for last, though. The final boardwalk went through a motte of ancient, ancient live oaks, the kind I just want to hug and sit with (which I may have done). These were some of the most beautiful old friends I ever met.

Plus there were lots of fiddler crabs to enjoy. I like how they are all slightly different.

I’m so glad I finally went in there, persuaded by Lee. I think I had the idea that it was a kids’ place. I’ll be back to walk the whole trail, which happens to abut Jarvis Creek Park, another location I want to return to next time. Oh yes, there will be a next time.

Now, THAT’s a Beach

I found out something interesting yesterday. I wrote down all 99 different birds I saw last month at home in my bird journal, because that’s what you do when you have plenty of time to do things you actually like to do. After that, I decided to add the South Carolina birds I’ve seen so far on this trip to my list. I discovered I’ve seen 42 additional birds! I’m up to 111 species in this state and am grateful to the warblers of spring for contributing a good many of the additional birds. My new warbler for yesterday was the Worm-eating Warbler; it’s clear that there are so many warblers the namers are running out of good ones. Spring is a good time to bird on the east coast of the US!

Eastern Towhee that was singing away next to the condos.

The shore birds, when I can find them, have also added to my totals and life list. I got a new one and saw many interesting others when Lee and I finally went over to Mitchellville, a historical Gullah area, to the beach there. I’d read that Fish Haul beach has great birding, and yep, it does.

Tricolored Heron just enjoying the breeze.

It also has crabs and oysters for all those birds to eat, and neighboring marshes chock full of songbirds, including a Red-winged Blackbird that made a sound like an alarm bell ringing. That was odd.

Let me tell you, this is the kind of beach I want to visit, not ones covered in people and no interesting things to look at (sorry beach lovers, but when I have seen one long stretch of sand with some waves, I’ve seen them all). Fish Haul beach has rocks, tree stumps, seaweed, sandbars, tidal estuaries, and so much more. I had a blast.

The only negative aspect of this beach is that it’s very close to the airport. There are more flights to this island than I realized; no wonder they’re expanding the charmingly tiny airport. Still, plane and helicopter sounds do drown our your Whimbrels and Willets (the Whimbrel was my new beach bird).

The surrounding wooded area at the park was equally pleasant, and the boardwalk across the marsh was breathtaking. I could have spent many hours there if I was willing to keep paying $3 per hour to park. We used every minute of our hour, though. I have a new place to go every time I come here!

I’m sort of torn about Hilton Head. I realize it’s a haven for ultra-rich people and that most of the place is off-limits except to residents. That feels uber-elitist, and it doesn’t help that most of the Black folks live in mobile homes in “their” areas (though the Gullah areas are fascinating and it’s so cool that they stubbornly continue to live life on their terms, like growing their own food, weaving, etc.). It’s also cool that many mobile homes have been raised way up on cement blocks to avoid floods.

Can’t complain about the landscaping. Fortnight lily.

But wow, it’s so pretty here. All the zoning regulations and lighting rules mean that you feel like you’re in some woods, even on commercial roads. Only the two or three main drags look like roads in most places. Otherwise, you drive through tree canopies draped in Spanish moss. It looks so much like the older parts of Gainesville, Florida in the late 60s where I used to ride my bike and visit my grandmother’s house. I feel comfortable here until I start to think about my white privilege and former good income that lets me come to this bastion of golf and fanciness.

I feel a rant coming on. If you’re a Substack subscriber, you’ll get to read one shortly, after I do a Master Naturalist blog entry. Good thing I enjoy writing.

I Do Love Me a Good Woods

Nothing earth-shattering today, just a wonderful, restful, respite from anything negative. I wish we could all have such a day occasionally, where we do our favorite things at a leisurely pace.

Nothing better than an undisturbed woods.

I’d been looking forward to going back to the Prayer Trail at the nearby Presbyterian church since I left Hilton Head Island last time. It’s just the most tranquil, green, and quiet oasis imaginable, right off a busy road.

The old-growth woods embrace you as you walk the trail, and you’re immersed in bird song, squirrel chatter, and frog croaks. There were mosquitoes, so it wasn’t perfect, but wow, the warbling warblers and trilling vireos put on a show! It was hard to leave.

Leaving was made much easier when I realized I hadn’t been on the path that is next to the church. I guess I didn’t realize it went through. Ah, but it does, following a ditch or canal all the way to the next main road. There are cypress trees and many other hardwoods, like sweet gum and sand oak.

I even got to meet a guide dog in training, who was off work, so I could pet her. I went on and realized I now have a walk I can take from my condo that has woods and birds the whole way. If I don’t have other plans, this route awaits! There is always lots to see.

After doing some Master Naturalist work and checking out the new Netflix show, The Residence, which features a detective who’s a birder, I walked on the beach.

More fun dogs entertained me with their joy at being near sand and water, and dozens of Brown Pelicans sedately flew over, then went to work diving for fish. I had some good quiet beach time, but also I found it fun to watch teens playing games and laughing.

Maybe tomorrow will be more exciting. I’m going right instead of left when I leave the condo! Ooh!

More Excruciatingly Dull Birds

Sorry. All I have is more bird pictures. I spent most of the day relaxing, but hit all my exercise goals walking around looking at stuff.

I didn’t enjoy the Super Bowl much since we had to try to stream it on bad connectivity. I missed most of the good commercials and the game was too embarrassing to enjoy. Ugh.

This coot butt is more interesting than that game.

I did encounter 53 species of birds today, which is impressive. I especially enjoyed sitting at a shady picnic table next to a big oak tree and some scrub, and just watching bird behavior.

This tiny Downy Woodpecker must have pecked this entire sapling.

The most fun part of the interlude was when I heard a new sound and there was the bird I’d been looking for here at Choke Canyon the most, the Audubon’s Oriole. It’s so striking. And it proceeded to put on a little show of cuteness for me. What a joy.

Not wanting me to forget that it’s also cute and colorful, a Green Jay popped in for a puffing and preening session. Yep, it was indeed cute.

I wandered around the lake a while, too, seeing ducks, a pair of Anhingas, Least Sandpipers, Coots, a Cooper’s Hawk, and Ospreys.

Of course, while chatting with neighbors, I did other observations. Enjoy. I enjoyed the neighbors. Many seem as starved for friendly conversation as I am.

Red Admiral. I saw other butterflies, but they were busy.

Heading home tomorrow.

Boating in Bluffton

At the moment I’m reeling in righteous indignation at someone I used to know who insinuated that members of my family are abominations in the eyes of her deity. If you think that, try to keep it to yourself so you don’t reveal your hypocrisy. But, I reminded her that Jesus loved everyone and moved on. Karma can take care of her (and me; I have lessons to learn, too!).

My day was good, however. I didn’t have to work, so Lee and I were able to head to our favorite neighboring town of Bluffton. It’s a town on bluffs, you see, on the shores of a river that’s not actually a river (I think it’s an inlet).

Numerous cool older houses are in the old part of town.

We ate lunch in the new part of town, in one of those perfect little business areas with apartments on top of the businesses. It was full of pastel colors and trendy board and batten. The place we ate had an immense beer menu and fun burgers. I had the peach/blackberry cider shown below, which was just perfect, sweet and tart. My burger had fried pineapple on it, which was delicious!

Next, Lee drove straight to my favorite art galleries, which was really nice of him. I met the lady who made a necklace Lee got me last year, and I got two crystal and silver earrings from her.

Not a great picture of the main shopping street.

We had to then hurry to catch our boat to go look at the river. We were joined by four women who all met in the early 80s when they were riding the commuter train up north. They have a large group who are still friends. How cool.

It was a beautiful day, and we saw a good number of dolphins out feeding and just hanging out.

I enjoyed all the birds, of course, and the huge piles of oyster shells and sand bars. The spartina grass was golden and very pretty. Lee got most of the good bird pictures.

There were, of course, many fancy houses to observe, but I like the mostly empty islands best.

We’re now all ready to head back home. We will take our time, so maybe we will stop somewhere along the way! I’ll try to be as accepting as possible as long as no one insults my family.

Most Delicious?

What’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten?

It’s funny. I have a very good memory for taste. I can remember things I ate years ago, like Judy’s squash soup served in a squash on Thanksgiving in the early 1980s.

Closest I have to a photo of squash soup on my phone

I remember the oyster sampler I had in Seattle with Melissa and Chriztine. Each oyster tasted so different.

This is actually a photo of the dish I am referring to! I found it!

Right up there among my favorites was my first boudin, spicy and freshly made in rural Cajun Louisiana. I ate so much I had no appetite for Christmas dinner.

Boudin from around here. Also delicious.

One year I made the perfect oyster cornbread dressing at Thanksgiving. So much flavor and seasoning. I also made a mushroom and rice dish with five kinds of mushrooms, butter, and garlic for my kids and me soon after their dad left. I think part of the thrill was just making whatever the heck we wanted.

No idea if these are edible, but it’s a little of mushrooms

I get the idea that umami is my favorite flavor! Also, I am fond of oysters, because my mother’s oyster stew (with fresh oysters and cream) also floated up in my taste memories.

The aftermath of me eating dozens of cluster oysters on Hilton Head island.

There have been some amazing meals in recent years, both home cooking and restaurant food. But all I can dredge up is things I ate long ago, so I am going to declare the most delicious thing I ever ate to be the coffee ice cream my boyfriend, roommate, and I made a small batch of in the trailer house in Gainesville. It was so much trouble to make that we never repeated it. But I still remember the intense coffee and cream flavor.

Some of us don’t get to have coffee. Poor Anita. I can’t believe I gave her that mug in 2017. Wow.

Ahhh.

Old Memories and Preparing for New Ones

What’s the oldest things you’re wearing today?

Before answering the question and talking about today, I hereby acknowledge that the prompt writer has a subject-verb agreement problem. I’ll answer this: what is the oldest thing I’m wearing today?

Many memories are triggered when I look at my ring that says Suna on it. I’ve worn it every single day since I had it made for me at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. The trip was intended to cheer me up after my kids’ father moved out. It actually was a fun trip.

I don’t have my trip pictures here, so enjoy my spotted friends.

I got the ring to remind me that I didn’t need anyone else to make me whole, to remind me that I love myself, and to keep me strong. So that’s been with me 23 or 24 years. It does help me remember who I am.

More memories are coming back to me as we are camping at Palmetto State Park, where I went once before and had a great time. It’s where I met my friend Mike S, so it’s cool that he and Martha will camp with us again.

It was iffy whether we’d make it here. Once again there were torrential rains, but this park wasn’t hit too badly. On the way down here, though, we passed by a lot of fresh hail and wind damage. I’m glad we missed it. Trees and limbs were all over the roads and we passed at least two closures. Lee handled the motorhome very well, which I appreciated a lot.

Once we got here, I just HAD to take a walk along the San Marcos River to find out what birds were lurking around. It was mostly the same as home, with the addition of the Northern Parula, a pretty blue and yellow warbler that makes a really fun shrill call.

The trail is gorgeous. Here’s some woodland beauty.

After that, we ate sandwiches and sat around the fire Mike made. That’s so restful. This park only has 19 camping spots, so it will be cozy. What it has lots of are cool trails. You’ll get to see some tomorrow, I hope. Future memories await!

Odd Bucket List Item

Today we’re in a condo in the Canyon Lake area, because we needed a break and have a horse sitter for a few days. Apache must have his diva needs met. Of course, I had deadlines and video calls to do, but we managed to get me out in nature.

I don’t have to work until January 2, so I’m ready to relax and catch up on things…after a couple of relaxing days. I think just maybe things might be settling down at home, which will help us all deal with whatever changes come next year. We can flow like a river.

Like the Guadalupe River, to be precise.

I started my day walking around the extremely large condo complex and trying to find nature. There was a woods next door with sleeping deer! Well, I woke them up. And I enjoyed checking out the nice mini golf course with a view of Canyon Lake. It was a good reward for finishing my release notes.

Later we went over by the nearby dam that created Canyon Lake to enjoy the views and see what lives there. I saw some American wigeons swimming around, plus some mussels. There were even a few new plants, but I didn’t find the rare Canyon Lake madrone Lee always talks about.

Later we went to lunch at a very nice Italian restaurant. The food and service were both superb. I had fish with Alfredo pasta and veggies, and Lee said the chicken he ate was the best he ever had. It was served with beautiful homemade ravioli. And it wasn’t even very expensive!

After more meetings for me, we went to the nature trail on the other side of the dam, along the Guadalupe River. The trail is maintained by the local Master Naturalist chapter, the hosts for our next meeting. I wonder if this trail will be a field trip? They’ve made a nice guide with numbered markers to tell folks what they’re seeing. I’m impressed!

I tried to listen for birds, but the darn rapids made it hard (the rapids are wonderful, of course). Eventually chatty people, crying babies, leaf blowers, and small planes stopped long enough for me to hear many woodpeckers, wrens (including canyon wren!), and a kingfisher. Of course the normal songbirds were there, including an extra friendly Ruby-crowned kinglet and a very dedicated ladder-backed woodpecker.

It was fun to spot springs, ducks, ferns,cypress, and pecans. I love me a riparian area! This river really is one of Texas’s gems.

So, what was the odd bucket list item I referred to in the title? Well, I’d seen most of the places where Lee has lived, except for one, which was a rustic camp area near Canyon Lake. He drove me through the area and I got to see the driveway he had worked on. It appears that whoever owns it now is building a real house there. Now my bucket list is complete!