21 September 2005

To the River

Took the family to the Riverwalk in Coumbia, on the Congaree River on Sunday. The water levels have been low due to a ongoing lack of rain for several weeks. This is the best time to go, however, because we can go explore on the rocks!
Family taking to the river

Alas, it is getting late in the season already for Odes. However, the most numerous by far were the American Rubyspots. They tended to be VERY skittish, but I finally managed some good shots of them. Here's my best one of the day.
American Rubyspot

20 September 2005

Canoe Trip

My wife and I recently took a canoe trip on the Edisto River through Carolina Heritage Outfitters. It was nice, just the two of us! We had perfect weather and a very relaxing time just floating down the river. We stayed overnight in a treehouse (how cool is that!) and then floated some more the second day.

The Treehouse

Along the way, we saw two alligators, tons of vultures (Mostly Turkey, but several Black as well), an Anhinga, a flock of immature White Ibis and lots of Little Blue Herons. There were, of course, some odes and butterflies to be seen as well.

This Roseate Skimmer provided a show as it patrolled the shoreline near where we stopped for lunch on the second day.
Roseate Skimmer
Roseate Skimmer

A Black-shouldered Spinyleg took the opportunity to ride with us for a few minutes on the canoe.
Black-shouldered Spinyleg

I also got some shots of several different butterflies, none of which I have ID'ed yet. (I have got to get a butterfly book.)

06 September 2005

Something Different

Viceroy Butterfly

That's not a bird or an Ode, it's a butterfly! Yes, I've expanded again. We were at the park on Labor Day with the kids trying to fly kites but the wind was not cooperating so I picked up my trusty camera and started shooting some butterflies in a nearby flowerbed.

Here is another shot of the Viceroy.
Viceroy

The most plentiful were the Buckeyes. Note the really cool "eye patches" on the wings.
Buckeye

There were also several Gulf Fritillaries around. Now, Viceroy and Buckeye sound okay, but you start throwing out Gulf Fritlillary, and I think it counts me as a Butterfly nerd....Checkout the cool pattern underneath these, though....
Gulf Fritillary
Gulf Fritillary