Today started off with…. Rain. Undaunted we drove to an area called glory beach and then beach combed to the southern tip of the island. We were mostly alone except for all kinds of birds, dolphins, the occasional pesky sand fly and a few mosquitos. We ended up at the beginning of the flooded forest where trees have been uprooted. They are now encrusted with oysters (up to the water line) and are homes to numerous nimble crabs. As the tide was turning we were luck to see all kinds of crabs scurrying around. The blue ones were mating. It was intriguing to see the males clinging to the females while trying to defend their territory from my foot!
Talking of mating, we were very much entertained by the Royal Terns.
As you can see from my sketch both birds seem to dislocate their wings as part of their courting behavior.
The males would bring fish to their potential mate. We watched one pair for quite a while. She seemed largely unimpressed by the fish despite his efforts to present it to her. Finally she attempted a bite. He clearly was getting pissed and refused to give it to her. Needless to say she walked away, not wishing to play his games. A few moments later he took off, with his fish
Later we saw a couple in the mating position. He balanced on top while she walked around. It was a remarkable balancing act that lasted for minutes. I’m not sure when the actual act happened but running around like a cheerleader team at the football game was very entertaining.
Later this evening we took a stroll around the stately cottages built by the vanderbilts and their ilk. Very beautiful structures underneath water oaks, massive cedars and magnolia trees all draped in Spanish moss. We finished our stroll at the Jekyll Island Clubhouse for a glass of wine and lounge on the extensive porch.
Life on my Own Terms 