Graduation season for the birds

I am reminded it is graduation season by all the signs and banners in my neighborhood celebrating the occasion. These signs remind me it is time to visit Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge to watch another type of graduation, fledging birds. Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge is in Townsend, Georgia, north of Brunswick off U.S. Highway 17. And, this time of year, the refuge is home to one of the largest colonies of wading birds in the Southeast United States.

In 1987, a few wood storks were discovered roosting in tupelo trees in the area. Wildlife refuge staff developed artificial platforms to entice more endangered wood storks to nest in the area. Today, Woody Pond is one of six freshwater wetlands created to provide habitat for a variety of wading birds at Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge. The 50-acre site attracts approximately 800 pairs of wood storks, egrets, herons, and other wildlife to roost in large colonies during the spring and summer each year.

Woody Pond is a perfect place for nesting wading birds, as there are many small islands that provide a haven from predators. Cypress trees grow around the pond, and the birds have taken up residence in the trees and man-made platforms built for their use. The refuge manages Woody Pond by eradicating invasive species, monitoring water quality, and planting desirable trees to keep wading birds returning year after year to raise their young.

The first trip I made to Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge was four years ago and very memorable. I found a comfortable spot along the banks of Woody Pond and sat down to observe all the activity. I noticed numerous alligators swimming just below the colony of nesting birds. They were patiently waiting for a fledgling attempting flight to fail and become their next meal.

Alligators nest around the banks of Woody Pond at the same time the wading birds are nesting in the trees. When the alligator eggs hatch, wading birds are nearby patiently waiting for the opportunity to catch a baby gator when momma is not around. The birds and the alligators are food for each other.

Watching the birds and the alligators interact with one another is fascinating to me. But even more captivating were the sounds coming from the rookery. I was astonished at the variety of noises made by all the birds. It was mesmerizing to hear the clacking, croaking, and crying of 800 pairs of nesting birds and their offspring.

There is no way for me to fully describe this symphony of sound. Thankfully, I carried a field recorder with me and I was able to capture the melodious noises emanating from the rookery. I have included a short audio clip for you to listen for yourself. 

Audio: Lauri Holton

I also captured some amazing photos of wading birds nesting in the rookery with my camera and telephoto lens mounted on a tripod. This allowed me to snap numerous sharp photos from a distance without disturbing the birds. I photographed adult birds flying in and out of the nest, gathering and delivering food for their young. I snapped photos of mom and dad taking turns watching over their offspring while the other sat nearby, resting. It was absolutely one of the best experiences I have ever had observing nature.

After several hours of photographing and recording the birds, I packed up my gear and headed for the car. About 100 yards between me and my destination was an 8-foot gator sunning himself on top of a narrow berm. The gator was blocking the only route back to my car. I was forced to stop and wait for the gator to move. On the other side of the gator was a man with a camera and tripod waiting to pass the gator to take photos near the rookery where I had just been.

As we waited for the gator to move, I struck up a conversation with the fellow photographer. After 20 minutes or so, the photographer gathered up the courage to use his tripod to poke the gator, hoping to make it move. I backed way up and allowed plenty of space for the gator to move in any direction it wished. I prayed that the gator would just dive into the water. And, sure enough, the gator was annoyed and dove back into the pond. I thanked the fellow photographer for his bravery as we passed by each other on that narrow berm along the edge of Woody Pond.

As I made my way back to the car, I said a prayer thanking the creator I did not have to call 911 for assistance. And, I was thankful to have captured so many wonderful photographs and sounds to share with others. Lastly, I was thankful for such a place as Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge to observe one of the largest gatherings of wading birds in the Southeast.

Since my first visit four years ago, I have returned to Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge each spring. As long as I can, I will return each year to witness fledgling birds graduate from the nest and attempt to fly on their own.