sustainablescott's Favorites

I would like to share with you, what I believe is a Marsh Rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris), located Saturday morning, 5/22/2021, at the back left corner of The Landing’s, Sparrow Field, Skidaway Island, Savannah, Ga. It is a small cottontail rabbit in the family Leporidae. It is found in marshes and swamps of coastal regions of the Eastern and Southern United States. It is a strong swimmer and found only near regions of water. It is similar in appearance to the eastern cottontail but is characterized by smaller ears, legs, and tail.

I have been seeing this species more often than in past years at the Sparrow Field. There are many predators on the island that would like to dine on it, I wonder how it survives?

Slowly walk the trail around the field, perhaps you might locate it!

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) with 16 chicks, 7/6/2021, The Landing's brackish lagoon # 15, Skidaway Island, Savannah, Ga.

Notes from Paul Ehrlich, The Birders Handbook: "Long-term pair bond, strong fidelity to nest area. Male incubates, atypical of waterfowl but typical of whistling ducks. Parents remain with brood for up to 6 months. Nest usually in tree cavity”

This is the same general area where I located a wood Duck with chicks app 4 years past. There are many pines in this area with water on three sides. Many pines are dying and have cavities suitable for Wood Duck and Whistling Duck nest!

We moved onto the island in 2003. where were 151 lagoons on the island, app 65% being brackish. This is the first breeding pair of BBWD that I am aware of, since moving onto this inner barrier island!

Tetragnathidae- Mabel's Orchard Orb Weaver (Leucauge argyrobapta) amongst Plumbaginaceae- Leadwort (Plumbago Sp), 8/22/2021, The Landing’s, Skidaway Island, Savannah, Ga.

Please click on the image to view large. Note the web material being dispensed! (especially image # 3)

BTW, there was, what I presume, her male mate to the rear of the web. He was much smaller than she!

@tim1009