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| Great Blue Heron nest with two babies |
A group of Master Naturalists visited Oldfield Plantation to birdwatch along their Okatie River Trail. The first stop was a community garden located adjacent to the community gate, to learn about native plants and sustainable food sources, before carpooling to the birding trail. A brief talk by Leanna McMillan at the Outfitters HQ included how Oldfield has been endorsed by Audubon International as a wildlife friendly community. A saltwater fish tank made it easy for visitors to see what kind of fish are living in the Okatie River, and the view of the entire spartina marsh ecosystem is just outside their window.
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| Great-crested Flycatcher at a nesting cavity |
The birding trail is situated right along the bank of the Okatie River and weaves behind private homes, along a golf course, and by several ponds. This bird walk was all business from the very first with a Prairie warbler stopping the group in their tracks, while it was willing to navigate low hanging branches. Oldfield resident and Master Naturalist Terry Cerisoles remarked that an old dead oak tree in front of us is a home for a family of raccoons. When we reached the duck pond, we saw two Great Blue Herons sitting on nests and one nest had two babies in it. More nesting was on display when we saw a brown-headed nuthatch and a great-crested flycatcher both using natural cavities for their home base. The natural world in Spring always offers a glimpse of critters busy with their instinctive drive to survive.
To view past blog entries about recent field trips click on 2022 Dolphin Head Beach - 2022 Bear Island WMA - 2022 Widgeon Point - 2022 Port Royal Sound Foundation / Nature Trail - 2022 Parris Island Birding - 2021 Palmetto Bluff Christmas Bird Count - 2021 Botany Bay WMA Birding - 2021 Tillman Sand Ridge- 2021 Nemours Plantation / Fall Birding - 2021 Coastal Exploration / South Fenwick Island - 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Lighthouse and Beach - 2021 Hunting Island State Park / Wildlife Sightings - 2021 Coastal Exploration / Bennett's Point- 2021 Edisto Canoe and Kayak Commission - 2021 Congaree / Swamp Plants - 2021 Congaree - Swamp Critters - 2021 Furman University - 2021 Givhans Ferry State Park - 2021 Spring Island - Reptiles and Amphibians - 2021 Spring Island / Plants and Insects - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Wildlife - 2021 Fish Haul Beach / Vistas - 2021 Beidler Forest / Flora and Fauna - 2021 Beidler Forest - Name That Snake - 2021 Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - 2021 Nemours Plantation Birding
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| Brown-headed Nuthatch with bug, utilizing a snag |
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| Prairie Warbler poking through oak leaves |
To view past Field Notes and Photos click January 2021 - July 2020- June 2020 - March 2020 - June 2019 - July 2018 - February 2018 - December 2017 - September 2017 - January 2017- December 2016 - June 2016 - February 2016- December 2015 - October 2015 - September 2015 - August 2015 - July 2015 - June 2015 - February 2105 - October 2014 - September 2014 - August 2014 - June 2014 - March 2012 - February 2012 - October 2011 - September 2011
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| Naturalist Leanna and her dog are on point |
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| This Ruby-throated Hummingbird was found deceased |
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