Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Shrimp and Steel

This photo from the harbor in Georgetown, SC captures two industries that are sharing similar fates. The Georgetown steel plant in the background is closing indefinitely on July 12th - as a result of the economy. The shrimp boat in the foreground is part of an industry that is facing stiff competition - 90% of the shrimp we eat is imported.

Friday, June 26, 2009

It Makes Me Sad

when I walk on the beach and see this.

Photo was taken on North Island which is part of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Heritage Preserve. It comprises over 18,000 acres and was willed to the state of South Carolina by the late Tom Yawkey, former owner of the Boston Redsox.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Seaside Dragonlets

are small dragonflies found in coastal areas in the eastern and southern U.S. These photos were taken on North Island near Georgetown, SC.



Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

At the Jetty

where Winyah Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.


Notice the brown color of the water in Winyah Bay on the right side compared to the Atlantic on the left. Winyah Bay is a coastal estuary that is a confluence of the Waccamaw River, the Pee Dee River, the Black River and the Sampit river. When vegetation decays in these rivers, tannins are leached out, resulting in transparent, acidic water that is darkly stained, resembling tea or coffee.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Exploring a Barrier Island

North Island separates the south portion of Winyah Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.


Sunday, June 21, 2009

Georgetown Lighthouse

The Georgetown lighthouse was originally built in 1812 and restored in 1867 after major damage during the Civil War. It is still operational today but is automated and solar powered. During hurricane Hugo the storm surge reached the second window from the top on the left side.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

History in the Bay

The smokestack of the USS Harvest Moon, a Union gunboat, is still visible in Winyah Bay. The ship was part of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron and sunk on March 1, 1865 after hitting a mine.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Showing Off

A male green anole proudly displays his brightly colored dewlap.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Google Earth

I have uploaded several photos to Google Earth. It takes a month or two before they show up if they pass Google's acceptance criteria. Here is one that was accepted - Jack going to the beach at Myrtle Beach State Park.

Click photo to enlarge

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Five-lined Skink

Predators are attracted to the bright blue tail. When a predator grabs a skink by the tail, it will break off. The tail continues to wiggle after being disconnected and distracts the predator until the skink can escape. The skink later regrows a new tail.

Friday, June 05, 2009

Fledgling

Shooting from the screened porch gives this photo sort of a matte finish.