Survival

Not all is perfect and predictable in the world of nature; and often I am reminded of this harsh reality. Missing one foot, this seagull has possibly cheated death. Despite his disability, he has adapted amazingly well. Today, even the predictable scenery was anything but ordinary.

Harbor Seal Spotted On Hilton Head Island

The Island Packet is reporting this morning that a wayward harbor seal was spotted on the heel of Hilton Head Island on March 15, 2010.

This is extremely rare and the first seal spotting I have ever heard of on Hilton Head Island.

The story is accompanied by these captivating photographs.

Mitchellville Beach Park, Hilton Head Island, SC

On a relatively warmer day in January we took the opportunity to try my new Cannon EOS Rebel XS/1000D at a local beach park. We were lucky to find various shorebirds enjoying the low tide and managed a few good shots.

A personal favorite of mine are Sanderlings. These small little birds spend their time skittering along the sand and surf searching for food. Their fast movements make them a challenge to photograph but fun to watch!

One of the most graceful appearing birds in the water are Great Egrets. These snow white birds are a frequent site in Hilton Head, wading through marshes.

Looking forward to warmer days on Hilton Head Island and capturing nature in action!

South Beach Marina, August 2009

Bumblebees pollinating a magnolia tree

Early this morning (about 6:30 a.m.) as I was leaving my girlfriends house, I spotted these bumblebees (note the corbicula on hind legs) polinating a magnolia tree. Part of me wanted to fold back the petals of the flower so I could see the bees better, but I decided to leave it alone!

We nature photographers don't like to interfere! :)

Close encounter with dolphin

I shot this video with my Canon PowerShot A450 (cheap little point-and-shoot camera that takes surprisingly good video). This was at the head of Broad Creek as we turned in toward Shelter Cove Harbour for lunch.

This friendly dolphin hung around just long enough to figure out we didn't have any food. A few minutes later, I dove into the water wearing my prescription sunglasses.

Water spouts

A few mornings ago as I was getting off duty, dispatch contacted the fire station to let us know that up to 3 water spouts had been reported in the area.

I love water spouts, and I've been waiting 12 years (the time I've lived on Hilton Head Island) to see one in real life!

It turns out there was a water spout just off the coast along South Forest Beach. I could have turned left out of the fire station, driven one block, and watched it for 15 minutes!

Maybe next time. On the plus side, a lot of people saw the water spouts and took pictures, which can be viewed at the Island Packet's website.

Image credit: Brian Vaughn, www.islandpacket.com

Image credit: Jeff Davidson, www.islandpacket.com

See the rest of the photos HERE.