Just south of Savannah about 40 miles is Harris Neck Wildlife Reserve. We absolutely loved this place as it was a haven for bird and wildlife watching. Right outside this visitor center we spotted our first Painted Bunting. What a treat with its bright blue and red feathers. Unfortunately, getting a picture was an elusive activity.
We hiked down a path to a pond and were able to see this endangered bird, a woodstork. He was much larger than we thought he would be...larger than a great blue heron. This one was holding one wing out and then held out the other in what looked like the wings were being dried.
In the pond behind Sabrina were small alligators and the woodstork.
Walking on another side of the pond we were able to watch alligators and see the birds in the center of the pond in the rookery. Sabrina was holding up her blade of grass in a banner hold and trying to drive out the bugs. Cute, but it did not work!
Large turtles hanging out in the pond.
On the edge of the path in the grass hid several smaller alligators. They were the closest we have been to gators. This one was about five feet long. Some were a little bit smaller. We were surprised by how close they got to the path. On our way back they actually crossed the path.
A little bit closer view.
These amazed us. Woodstorks and Great White Egrets nested on islands. We were told that they like this spot as the gators protect them from raccoons who would eat the eggs in nests. Sometimes a bird falls into the water and does become lunch for the gators. It is all a balance of creatures in the food web.
Sabrina loved the butterflies.
Coming in for a landing at the nest.
Before it was a wildlife refuge, this was a WWII air field and some parts were plantations.
Woodstorks are endangered and so it was wonderful to see they fly and be free.
Landing with their friends. We loved this place and hope to be back.
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