SusieG Studio

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

We’ve been hearing about this refuge island from lots of bird-watching folks we’ve met on the island. This NWR island covers 4,000 acres with several walking and biking trails along with several fresh water ponds. We were able to visit one called the Ibis Pond.

We parked in a small treed lot and found an information board containing information about the wildlife on this island and what we might see. Nearby is a brochure box and a donation box. There were a few folks that arrived the same time as we did, but within a few minutes they all disappeared. Where did they go?

We found the main trail and headed out along the gravel path. We soon found out that others on the path were fast walkers. On a mission to get to their destinations. Hubby and I walked at a leisure pace. Taking in the peaceful surroundings. Not in a hurry.

It took a bit of time for my eyes to adjust at all the beauty that surrounded me. Hubby on the other hand, quickly pointed out a blue heron across the pond.

I had to remember to look up and see what was in the trees.

We also saw lots of birds flying over us like this egret.

Hubby was waving to me and reminded me to stop looking up for a minute. He pointed to something in the water. I noticed the birds and then I noticed a log slowly drifting in the water. Towards us.

Hubby was looking for the tell-tale “ripple” edges of the log.

We slowly walked around this large pond. I was patiently hiding behind some reeds and waited for the alligator to turn around. Finally it circled around and I was able to capture a better picture. I knew it was stalking us.

There were lots of chatty birds in the pond. At times, it was quite loud. I assumed they were letting others know about the alligator.

I was trying to show that we weren’t the only ones visiting this island.

It turned out to be a perfect opportunity to capture this heron in action.

There was quite a bit to see along the water’s edge.

I took this picture to show how peaceful it was. Then I spot a “rippled” log where the dried reeds were coming out of the water. Oh my! So much to see here and we’re still at the first pond.

The reeds make it hard to capture clear shots of the birds. I have to take a step or two (quietly) so I can see the bird’s eye and capture another picture.

Here’s a better view.

I was enjoying some practice time with my camera. I held my breath while I looked through my lens and captured the birds in flight.

There are no facilities on this island. No restrooms or drinking water or shelters on the island. There’s a small parking area and to get around the island you have to walk or use a bicycle. Our walk from the parking lot to the first pond called Ibis was about 2 miles round trip.

We thoroughly enjoyed our brief time on this island. Next time, we’ll have to bring our bicycles and see if we can tackle all the trails and visit the other ponds. I read there’s a tiny beach at the north end of the island. Of course, the best time to visit this beach is during low tide.