Magnolia Gardens and Audubon Swamp

This morning I headed to Magnolia Plantation, again.  I was there this Winter and everything was dormant.  We did see ducks, other waterfowl and a gator or two mostly hidden by the march grass.

Recently, I went to Middleton Place and wrote about it.  It was stunning.  I now wish that I had also gone to Magnolia earlier this Spring. 

Today, even though a lot of the azaleas were way past their peak, they were still very colorful.  What really caught my eye was the way the flower petals covered the water surface in a dusting of color.   It did not have the wow factor it might have had a week or so ago but it did have a soft, pastel-painting look.

The best part for me was when I entered the Audubon Swamp.  It was interesting going along the boardwalk looking at the trees, duck weed and animals.  They were everywhere.  Great White Egrets and Anhingas were flying all over and rooting in the trees.  Huge gators were sleeping on wooden planks.  I saw Black-crownded Night Herons, Blue-Winged Teals, Green Herons, Common Gallinuels and lots of others I will never know the names of.  The rookery was bustling with activity as Great White Herons and others were building nests.

I am not a birder or a nature photographer but it is hard to not be impressed with everything I saw.  You cannot imagine how many people I talk to have never been to the gardens and plantations on Hwy. 61 or at leastnot in years.  Before you know it Spring will be over and you will have missed much of what is truly the beauty of Charleston and nature itself.

Its supposed to be nice this wekend.  Make your plans now.  You won't be disappointed.  I am heading back tomorrow morning if the rains holds off.  I spent over five hours there and only saw a small portion.  Make your plans and go.

Michael kaynard is a local photographer living in West Ashley.  You can see his photos at http://kaynardphotography.webs.com.  He can be reached at mkaynard@gmail.com or 843-412-2299.