My Saturday, Dec. 15 book signing went really well! Thanks to those who came out and bought my Birds of Magnolia Cemetery book. It's always nice to meet fellow bird and nature lovers! Thanks also to the cemetery's super superintendent Beverly Donald for making this event possible!
My next signing is this Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the College of Charleston. I'll have a table on Cougar Mall in front of the Robert Scott Small building from noon- 2. Call or text me at 843.224.3112 if you need help with directions.
You know I never go to Magnolia Cemetery without my camera. And I'm sure glad I did as I scored some nice photos of a Merlin (which I originally thought was a Hawk). Merlins are members of the Falcon family.
Through my lens and binoculars it was hard to tell what the Merlin had caught and was eating. It wasn't until I got home and viewed the shots on my television and computer that I determined it was a bird. The Audubon Field Guide online confirms that Merlins feed mostly on small birds captured in high-speed mid-air pursuit. That is what Falcons are known for.
OK last carnage shot, not trying to gross out people!
I am updating this post in July 2024. I came across these photos and this old post while this summer updating my "Birds of Magnolia Cemetery" book. Pretty cool to discover a "lifer" bird 12 years after the fact!
Across the cemetery's front lagoon, I spied a Little Blue Heron. And it spied me too!
The delightful Hooded Mergansers are back for the winter at the cemetery ponds.
The Pink-footed Goose is standing on water! OK, not really. Nice to see the pond water levels high, covering the concrete block the goose is on.
The unmistakable green head of the beautiful male Mallard. A bunch (excuse me not a bunch but a battling, daggle, doppling, lute or sword) of Mallards are currently residing at Magnolia Cemetery. Sword? Lute? Yes, they are among several official names for a group of Mallards.
A Snowy Egret having a bad hair day? No, just a gust of wind giving this elegant bird a poofy look.
I took these Osprey shots recently and haven't posted them yet. Love Ospreys!
This Osprey was clearly looking for its next meal.
The Osprey's yellow eyes and hooked bill are distinctive, to say the least.
Juvenile White Ibis at play in the back lagoon.
A group of Ibis can be called a congregation, stand and a wedge. This little factoid comes from one of my favorite online bird resources, WhatBird.com.
They were having too much fun!
The Osprey nearby didn't seem to approve.
The cemetery's sole remaining Pink-footed Goose makes fast friends with the Canadian Geese when they visit the ponds here. It's a touching thing to see really.
Magnolia Cemetery is a peaceful, reflective (literally at times) place to visit. Try to come by if you never have before.
The cemetery is located at 70 Cunnington Ave. in Charleston. It's open daily.
Peace out and Happy Holidays!
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