Harris Neck - US Wild Bird Refuge

We finally made our way to Harris Neck National Wildlife Reserve about 40 miles north of here.  Harris Neck is one of 7 refuges adminstered as part of the Savannah Costal Refuges Complex.  It consists of 2,284 acres that was formerly managed by the Federal Aviation Agency as a WWII Army airfield.  Since its designation as a wildlife refuge in 1962, Harris Neck has served as a premier nesting, foraging and wintering habitat for many species of wildlife.  Signature species include endangered wood storks and the colorful painted bunting, which favors the refuge's martime scrub areas.  The refuge encompasses six man-made freshwater ponds, as well as salt marsh, open fields, forested wetland and mixed hardwood/pine forest.

Wood Storks at Jekyll Island Rookery

We are most fortunate here to have a full blown rookery in the middle of the island.  Hundreds of birds return here in the everning for rest and many including the endangered Wood Stork actually build there nests in the trees.  I hope you will enjoy these pictures of these most beautiful birds.

Winding Down

Well all good things must come to an end and we are in the last 2 weeks here.  The past week and the week to come have been the most magnificant weather you could ask for, averaging 75 a day with warm light winds and terrific walks on the beach.  We leave here April 1 and will make a month long stop in Myrtle Beach, SC and May 1 will start the trek for Maine.  Looking forward very much to seeing old friends and enjoying the Maine summer and fall.  Long range plans are to meet with the campground driector here & 2 other couples in Morgantown, WV on Oct 11,12,13 and help staff a booth at an RV show promoting Jekyll Island's campground.  We are profoundly gratelful to my best bud, Kathy Beaulieu, who has offered up her house to put the rig on, and live in her house, oh yeah I have to mow the lawn too.  Looking forward very much to that.  Also we will having lunch with brothers Harold & Ric Ross, whom I went to high school with in Hawaii and have not seen since 1962.  They both live in the Charleston, SC area.  Will blog along the way back, see you all soon.