Bikini Bottom

 Yesterday was my last day to sit on the beach and soak up the sun. I took a little walk but mostly I amused myself watching these crabs. At first I didn't know what these holes were but then I saw the crabs scurrying about.

 I then recognized this particular crab as the famous Mr. Krabs from Sponge Bob. When I tried to get closer the crabs would hurry back down a hole....back to Bikini Bottom. Lol

Sea Birds

 Both the Anhinga and Double-crested Cormorant are very common here in South Carolina on the shore. The Anhinga has a spear-like beak and is sometimes called the snake bird. He dives down into the water and spears the the fish and when he surfaces he tosses the fish into the air and catches it into his mouth....pretty cool, I've seen it several times. The Cormorant is a under water fisher as well, diving into the water and catching it's prey.
Both birds here are used to people and stay put for photos...yea.

These birds do not have water proof feather and will sit with their wings spread open, drying themselves in the sun.

Good Morning

(female Painted Bunting)

Tennyson

 I went to Brookgreen with Allison this morning. It was hot and I didn't last very long. Got a few good ones.

This was the highlight of the morning....a Grey Tree Frog! Lying so still he looked like a rock. Don't know how he climbed up this sign. I named him Tennyson....I thought it suited him.

 

Daddy

Resting Brown Pelican

Wood Storks

 Great surprise to see this whole group (muster) of Wood Storks......way across the causeway. Sorry I don't have the lens for a shot like this. Can someone give me $10,000? They are the oddest looking creatures but remember it is something like this that brings the babies ;-)
What a beautiful morning......bright and sunny, nice breeze and great smells at Brookgreen. I'm getting better and better at getting shots from my car too.

Charleston

Lunch at Eleve

 My quiche Lorraine with bacon and onion tartlette....yum!

Reflection Pool

 (click to enlarge)

It was surprising to me seeing all of the different flowers blooming now from when I usually come in April. This pool is usually a still, black reflecting pool so I was very happy to see these water lilies blooming and since the pool is elevated the surface was almost at eye level. Makes a pretty photo don't think? Note the hovering bee.

The Wren Who Wanted to Ride....

 or more likely looking for a place to nest..........

 This is how the story goes. A couple told me that when they pulled their car into the parking lot a pair of wrens landed on the car, hopping about checking it out... and they had nesting material in their beaks. They shooed them away and went for a walk down to the marsh. When they returned the wrens had already built a nest in their belongings. I was a bit skeptical about their story but later who came flying in but two wrens. They started to explore two bikes parked there. After much to do they flew away but I really think that couple was desperate for a nest.

There was an article in Birders Digest about the nest building habits of the House
Wren. It seems the male Wren builds several nests and the female inspects them and chooses the one she likes best. They will even go so far as taking over a nest that belongs to other birds.....tipping out any eggs that might already be in the nest.
https://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/bwdsite/about/publications.php

Carolina Wren

Magnolia

 (click to enlarge)

a little past it's prime like me....Lol

Pelican

I absolutely loved this little poem that was on a plaque at Brookgreen!

Green Heron

 (click to enlarge)

 I got up yesterday morning, opened the blinds and there were two Green Herons right in front of my villa. I grabbed my camera and went out in my robe to get these photos. Over the years I have taken pictures of the Great Blue, Yellow Crowned Night Heron and the Black Crowned Night Heron so I am pretty happy with this one.

 These guys were fishing for little bait fish (don't know what kind) and they were attracting these Egrets. Occasionally they would toss the Egrets a fish. All happening here....free entertainment.

It's All Happening Here

 

 My week at the villa ended this morning....feeling sad. The time flew by. A big thank you to Amy and the folks at Pirateland for their kindness and generosity. The chair above was my favorite place to sit and watch all the goings on on the lake. Sure enjoyed all those evening golf cart rides around Pirateland. Now, I'm at Amy's and I have a computer! Let the real picture taking begin! Tomorrow Brookgreen and we will see from there as rain is predicted.

Enjoyed all the beach walking and sitting.......great to have such easy beach access. The other morning I sat and watched these Brown Pelicans skimming the water looking for fish. They were right in front of me, diving.

Hello From South Carolina

I finally got my hands on a computer to say hello to all of you. Arrived Saturday to overcast skies....just had time to settle into the villa and learn to drive my golf cart (thanks Allison) then th rain came down in torrents. It rained the rest of the night. My daughter and I went to dinner and got wet despite umbrellas.

Woke up on Sunday (Mother's Day) to beautiful sunny skies. These are my neighbors who come running when ever I open the door. I headed for the beach first thing and have gone every morning so far.It's not everyday that I am that close to the ocean.

Had a Mother's day dinner with my daughter and granddaughter. My grandson was our server and my Son-in-law our sushi chef. I got flowers from John and Allison and presents from Amy. It was a wonderful day!

Just a few pics that I took on the beach.

Very hot today ...into the 90s....way too hot for me. I lasted an hour on the beach. The water is freezing though. Today I made it to my daughter's house and I'm on her computer....yea!!!! Also got to the library. I love to check out different libraries for new authors. Out for supper...California Dreaming I think.

Some of my favorite authors and a beautiful bowl....Weller, I believe.