Early Morning Walks in James Island County Park

During the summer months, my preferred mode of exercise is an early morning walk.  When I tired of walks around the neighborhood, I would drive the short distance from the house to the local park, James Island County Park, one of several wonderful parks in our Charleston County Park System.  Our local park system is one of the best I have ever encountered!  And James Island County Park is a microcosm of all them -- there really is something for everyone:  dog park, water park, picnic areas, picnic shelters for large groups, natural areas, fishing dock, and multiple organized activities and events!  My favorite are the natural areas.  The paved paths through the woods and along the perimeter of this park provide me with the same kind of wooded and marsh view lowcountry, serene vistas that I enjoyed exploring around my neighborhood (on a less developed James Island!) as a child.  The paved paths help to limit the bug access  -- fewer ticks and mosquitoes!  I will admit though that these same vistas and the wildlife that inhabit them also slow what is supposed to be vigorous walk -- especially when I go with binocular and camera!  But how do you leave the camera at home when you know that the painted buntings will be singing!?

So here are a few shots from a couple of my June walks in James Island County Park:

Morning reflections at the Fishing Dock -- June 12, 2011

Morning reflections from fishing dock (2) -- June 12, 2011

A lost hen has wandered over from a neighbor's yard -- June 12, 2011

A Fish Crow -- June 12, 2011

Barn Swallow that nests every season under the Fishing Dock -- June 12, 2011

Female Red-winged Blackbird -- I love how a bird can shake it's entire body but hold it's head perfectly still!

Red-winged Blackbird n-- June 12, 2011

Painted Bunting -- June 12, 2011

Morning light through the Spanish Moss -- June 12, 2011

Northern Parula fledgling -- June 12, 2011

Pileated Woodpecker -- June 12, 2011

Pileated Woodpecker -- June 12, 2011

Ruby-throated Hummingbird -- June 12, 2011

Eastern Kingbird -- June 12, 2011

Laughing Gulls -- June 12, 2011

Clapper Rail -- June 20, 2011

Barn Swallow -- June 20, 2011

Barn Swallow -- June 20, 2011

Laughing Gull -- June 20, 2011

Barn Swallow -- June 20, 2011

Painted Bunting -- June 20, 2011

Painted Bunting (2nd year male) -- June 20, 2011

Purple Martin family -- June 20, 2011