Thursday, February 26, 2009

First Swallowtail of the Season

A Palamedes Swallowtail enjoying the afternoon warmth and the nectar of the Carolina Jessamine.


Dwarf Palmettos

These Dwarf palmettos in the Congaree National Park are a close relative to the Cabbage palm, the South Carolina state tree.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Thursday, February 19, 2009

New Life

A decaying tree provides nutrients to this holly sprouting up in the swamp in Congaree National Park.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

A Few Friends

observed during a walk in Congaree National Park.



Eastern Comma Butterfly

Monday, February 16, 2009

Former State Champion



This Loblolly pine in Congaree National Park was a state champion until a larger one was recently found within the park.

This one measures 167 feet tall and is about 233 years old.

Click on the image to enlarge the photo and better appreciate the height.

This a vertical panoramic made of three separate photos and stitched together with software.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

A Walk Through the Swamp

The two mile boardwalk in Congaree National Park near Columbia, SC allows a glimpse of the largest contiguous area of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the United States. This time of year is area is relatively dry and there are no mosquitoes.



Note the water line on the trees from previous flooding.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Majesty and Glory

Photos - Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
Audio - The Majesty and Glory of Your Name by Tom Fettke.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009