Bon Secour NWR – “Safe Harbor”

Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge encompasses some of Alabama’s last remaining coastal barrier habitat.  Doug and I were off early this morning to drive to this refuge to help with an educational program for 4th graders.  It took us two hours to get there, but this refuge is one of three included in the southeast Mississippi complex along with MS Sandhill Crane and Grand Bay NWRs. 

Our learning station was located in the pine-oak woodlands.  Students were led on a scavenger hunt hike.  They didn’t physically collect anything, but verified their ‘finds’ with a digital camera.  The 13 items on the scavenger list ranged from epiphytes (air plants) to evidence of the turpentine industry.  Providing them with cameras provided a great hands on activity.  I found it amazing that just about all students remained comfortable, while I was sweating bullets in the high temps and humidity.  I was pretty worn out by the time we had taken three groups on this one mile hike. 

When we were finished, Doug and I took a different route home which included a ride on a ferry in Mobile Bay.  Lots of laughing gulls were around to accompany us on the ride.

We passed several gas rigs located in the bay.  I had thought maybe they were oil rigs, but not so.

As we approached shore, quite a few brown pelicans were lounging on the rocks and preening. 

 

We stopped for a rather late lunch on the way, and I enjoyed some crab claws and a shrimp burger.  I hate to admit it, but I think maybe I’m reaching my limit of shrimp consumption for a while. 

Back at the ranch, Emma was more than thrilled to see that I had finally returned.  It was a long day for her inside the rig.  We went for a walk, and then sat outside until almost sunset.  This female red-winged blackbird stopped by for a little snack.

Overhead, this female summer tanager was busy gathering nesting materials.  If I were staying here longer, I think I’d be able to find her nest.  This pair is certainly nesting right around the volunteer campsites.  I’m thinking these fine materials will be lining the inside of her nest.  She’s almost ready to begin laying eggs.  The flow of life goes on…

 

Thanks for stopping by…. talk to you later,  Judy