We had such a great time at the
Avia Savannah in December, that we've decided to go back for a few days during Spring Break. As I was thinking of what I'd like to do for the three days we'll be there, I came across the web site for the
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. It is technically across the
Talmadge Bridge in South Carolina and apparently is a great place to see spring migrants coming through.
I found this wonderful description on the web and now can't wait to visit!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, one of the best bird-watching spots in Georgia, is the single largest federally protected tract of land on the Georgia coast, stretching 20 miles along the Savannah River and consisting of 26,349 acres of freshwater marshes, tidal rivers and creeks, and
bottomland habitat. The refuge is one of the most important wildlife preserves on the East Coast, and during migratory periods is visited by 21 species of warblers and thousands of ducks of more than 13 species, including the rarely seen cinnamon teal, Eurasian
widgeon, and
fulvous whistling duck.
Easily accessed by the outdoor enthusiast is the 6,000-acre southern portion located near US 17 in South Carolina. Here you find a 4-mile wildlife drive, nature trails, fishing, information, and bathrooms. Approximately 40 miles of intersecting dikes are open to hikers during daylight hours. (Automobiles are allowed only on the wildlife drive.) Biking on the dikes is permitted, but can be difficult if not impossible where the soil is very soft and sandy.
In Georgia, Native Americans built their settlements near rivers, a reliable source of food and water and important for transportation and trade. The area of the wildlife refuge, with navigable waters and abundant game, was no exception, and
archaeologists have found evidence of
Paleo-Indian activity going back 7,000 years. Shell mounds provide evidence that the area was inhabited to various degrees between 5,000 and 1,000 years ago. Other clues reveal that Indians grew maize (or corn) 1,000 years ago in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.
The well-engineered dikes, built by slaves and Irishmen, remain in place and today are used by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service managers to benefit wildlife. Approximately 6,000 acres of former fields are maintained in 20 water-controlled
impoundments to provide food and safe havens for wading birds during the year as well as migratory waterfowl that arrive during the winter. Because of the abundant
avifauna, the refuge is popular with bird watchers, who have recorded 260 species at the refuge. The refuge is an example of man's interference with nature to benefit wildlife. If left alone, the former rice fields would convert to natural freshwater marsh and support smaller numbers of waterfowl and wading birds.
Four major kinds of habitat make up the refuge: tidal freshwater marsh, freshwater pools and marsh; hardwood hammocks consisting of oaks and other species; and bottomland consisting of cypress and tupelo gum. Each has its natural complement of flora and fauna. Alligators are plentiful in the freshwater pools, including one whopper well over 12 feet long. More than 100 alligators have been counted in the diversion canal alone. In the spring, the bellowing of males will stop hikers in their tracks. The dike trails are great places to find signs of alligator crossings, with matted down marsh grass on either side and a connecting groove in the sand created by the crawling alligator's tail. It looks like he drew a line in front of your path daring you to cross it. During cooler months, the cold-blooded reptiles are seen on the banks of the canals bordered by dikes warming themselves in the sun. During summer months, they spend most of their time in the water, with just their eyes and noses protruding above the surface.
Also in the pools are abundant frogs and turtles, and snakes. Abundant but not commonly seen are the cottonmouth, brown water snake, banded water snake, mud snake, and rainbow snake. Frogs include the bullfrog, the bronze frog, and the green treefrog. Fish found here include bream, largemouth bass, crappie, gars, and bowfin. The refuge is an excellent place to look for butterflies and wildflowers.
If you love birds you will consider the wildlife refuge to be a natural treasure. Take a pair of binoculars and a bird book. The Savannah Coastal Refuges office has a free brochure that lists bird species found at the national wildlife refuges under its management. The brochure specifies the bird species that are found in the refuges, how common they are, what season they are usually seen, and whether or not they nest there.
Yesterday I told Sam that we'd go to O'Charley's after we visited the wonderful Dr. S and gave her an update on how he's doing. As we sat there waiting for our food, I happened to glance down at the bakset containing Sam's favorite, yummy rolls... and I laughed at what I read. I suppose I've just never paid attention to the paper under the rolls, but had to agree with the sentiments there:
The afternoons have been in the high 60's and low 70's for the past few days, but the mornings are still a bit chilly. I saw this sweet Chipping Sparrow in the Japanese Maple in front of the house on Sunday morning, all fluffed out in the cool morning temperatures. But, spring is definitely in the air.
Seriously... when they come by themselves, I can actually appreciate their beauty. The green and purple iridescence with the golden brown tipped feathers make these guys look like they are decked out for Mardi Gras! I can just see some beads around his neck to complete his costume, can't you?
As I pulled into our neighborhood on the way home from work Friday, I was passing the retention ponds when I noted a pair of ducks. I saw from across the pond that the male had a black and white head, and knew I'd never seen one there with this coloration. We've had Mallards, and Canada Geese, but that's about it. I pulled into the garage and quickly got my camera to head back to the pond. 
Out at my mailbox bed, I let the spent blooms of the Sedum and Crepe Myrtle remain over the winter to give some interest to the bed. Just behind the mailbox, we have some beautiful double bloom daffodils planted, and I always forget about them until I happen to see them rear their little heads. When I got the mail yesterday, I peeked behind the Sedum and saw the lovely sight above! Time to trim away the dead and look forward to the new blooms of spring here in Georgia!
So many mornings, I am getting ready to leave for the day, and then open the blinds and see a sight like this... so it was yesterday morning.
On Thursday, after having my birds tapping on the window and chirping away at me, I finally got around to filling the feeders. On my last trip to Wild Birds Unlimited, I found that they now have the Bark Butter in a "Bug Berry Blend" which has roasted mealworms, sunflower chips, chopped tree nuts and five different fruits - cherries, blueberries, raisins, apples and cranberries! I had not yet introduced it to my friends here on Chickadee, and since I'd let the feeders get rather empty, I put a little extra on top of the swing out by the feeder area. There were three Pine Warblers watching me fill the feeders and patiently waiting for me to be done, and I knew they'd enjoy this new blend tremendously.
(The Rev. W. Awdry and Christopher Awdry)
When Kelly sent me the print of the chickadee, she also enclosed a second larger version. She'd had prints done two different places and was not as happy with the color on the larger print as it was not as close to the original painting as the smaller one she framed for me, but left it to me to decide which one I liked best. But, I loved BOTH of them and knew I wanted the larger one hanging in my great room here on Chickadee.
Honestly, for the most part, there are few foods that I truly "feel" when I put into my mouth. And I am very, very careful with those foods that evoke a feeling of pure bliss and comfort. I treat myself only now and again. But, yesterday, it was almost 2:30PM and I had not eaten since breakfast at 6AM. I was HUNgry. I had to get to school to pick Sam up, but had time to run into our neighborhood Panera Bread. I got a "You Pick 2" with a Frontega Chicken Sandwich and then, when I went to pick my side, there it was... Vermont White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Oh. My. I only have it rarely, but it was so cold and I was so hungry and well... it was just time.
Hubby was playing around in Photoshop and took two of my photos of a male Cardinal in the snow and transformed them so that his vivid red "pops" out of the frame! I thought they looked pretty neat!
