On Sunday the 15th we drove to the Cuddo Unit and it had a sign up that said it was closed for hunting. The gate was open, but we respected the sign. So, we headed off to check out our Plan B to visit Taw Caw Creek Park and Santee State Park.
On the way we stopped at John C Land boat landing. (we'd hoped the bathroom was open but it wasn't) It was a very misty morning and it took a while for that to burn off. Made for some interesting photos.
Great Egret
Anhinga
At first Taw Caw Park looked like mainly a boat launch and a picnic area, but upon further exploring we came across a boardwalk that went along the lake. As we viewed the lake we could hear and see just tons of Red-winged Blackbirds. The trees were full of them and so was the marshy areas. Nearly impossible to get photos of as they were flying about crazy and then just buried in the trees. We did see one Pied-billed Grebe. I always find them so cute. (and loners)
the lake in the mists
the Blackbirds were in those far trees
Great Blue Heron
Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
start of the boardwalk
Great Blue Heron
Pileated Woodpecker flying by - Greg got a lucky shot as they fly fast
Common Gallinule
Great Egret
end of the walk
a couple of guys fishing
From there we drove to Pine Island Unit of Santee.
Black-and-White Warbler eating a worm
Black-and-White Warbler eating a worm
Red-bellied Woodpecker
House Wren
House Wren
House Wren
Red Velvet Ant
Red Velvet Ant
Common Yellow-throat
It was now about 2:30 and we hadn't eaten lunch yet, so we stopped to go eat. There was a Southern Comfort Food buffet at Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile that I wanted to try and the website said it closed at 6:00 on Sunday, but it closed at 4:00. Despite being an hour before closing time they kept the buffet replenished. The outside looks like several buildings, but inside they are connected by hallways. The place was filled with antiques. The food was OK, but nothing exceptional.
Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile
I'd never heard of a cigarette hangover before.....
On the drive home we stopped at the Indian Mound at Buff Unit, but not much was happening in the middle of the afternoon.
view from the top
Tomorrow is supposed to be cold so we are taking a day off. (that's why we swapped Sunday for Monday.)
It was a very misty morning and it took a while for that to burn off. Made for some interesting photos. BEST JOGGING ROUTES ALONG SANTEE
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