In Savannah for a day, its historic walks behind me, I was in the mood to escape Southern hospitality–and humanity in general. An oasis of calm awaited only 20 minutes away from the city center: the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, 29 thousand acres of bottomland hardwood groves, swathed in Spanish moss, and freshwater marshes, wide open, flat, and serene. How could I resist?
The refuge hosts a stunning array of native birds and seasonal travelers along the Atlantic Flyway. The best time to watch birds here is October to April, and 
waterfowl are particularly abundant November to February: Wood storks, egrets, herons, and ducks–20 species of ducks!–are a regular sight. We stuck to the 4-mile scenic drive that meanders along the remnants of rice plantations, built by slaves and Irish laborers in the 1700s, now an invisible maze of dikes controlling the freshwater levels in the refuge.
A couple of turkey vultures welcomed us–were they courting? We interrupted a ritual, it seemed.
The marsh, so still at first sight, was teeming with activity. Anhingas, the Snakebirds of southern swamps, dried their wings after a hunt. American coots busied themselves in the shallow water. And battalions of ducks relaxed in the sun.
Egrets sailed over our heads, landing on naked limbs of far-off trees, startlingly human-like upon descent.
This muted palette of whites and browns reminded me of my beloved Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah. For a moment, I forgot where I was, as I followed a boisterous mocking bird from tree to tree along the road.
Thankfully, I looked down in time. This, was not Utah.
The alligator did not move–they are torpid in winter months and are generally unaggressive–but its eye seemed to take notice of my presence.
Slowly, I backed away. The eye closed. I was not deemed a threat.
On the way out, we drove up to the refuge’s visitors’ center. A boardful of sightings shamed me: I didn’t come at a good time of day. With so much to see, there will have to be another, more thorough visit.
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Amazing visit. Love your photos, especially the ‘sweet’ alligator. So glad he wasn’t feeling hungry. 🙂
Stumbling on an alligator was quite–stirring. There were many handouts at the visitors’ center and signs throughout the refuge about not engaging or hurting them. Apparently, they are frightened of people, and for a good reason. Thank you for stopping by!
Hey There,
Amazing! When I grow up I want to be a great photographer, just like you (smile).
You are too kind 🙂 Thank you for reading.
I probably would not have been that calm, being so close to an alligator. Gorgeous animal, though. I’ve been to Sanannah once and only did the historic sites. Will be back in April, I hope, so will make sure that I make it to the refuge. As always, gorgeous pics (especially the flying egret).
I hope you get to see it–it’s a lovely place. Just, you know, watch where you are going (I don’t think I’d want to be that close to an alligator ever again).
Differences fascinate —
Savannah for me a few years ago was a month out of the cold and much nomad wandering around the city, not so much “historical” sites, but just sights in corners and nooks and crannies — all in the city! So I especially am enjoying your joy in nature, and the fabulous souvenirs you bring back with your camera. Two Savannahs, two worlds, two wonders.
Truth be told, I did not enjoy the urban side of Savannah much. I will have to go back and re-see it again, in a different mood and a different season. Nature, though, I enjoy regardless of season. I appreciate your kind comment.
You arrived at a great time to birdwatch on the SE Atlantic Coast. At this time of year, you never know what you’ll stumble into. I’ve been playing with a new camera, and have gotten some decent shots of Hooded Mergansers in a small pool near my house. But as usual in birdwatching, most of it is just luck.
It was a treat. Whatever I see, I am always happy–and, I think, stumbling on an alligator filled some sort of a quota. I was disappointed not to see a wood stork. As ever, thank you for reading.
What an amazing walk through the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. I really enjoyed the photos. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for stopping by, Charlie. I appreciate your encouragement.