Density of life in the marsh
Thursday March 8, 2021
Ecologists claim that marshlands are one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet. As sunset approached yesterday, occasionally, huge groups of blackbirds would fly up from the reeds and swirl about before settling back down. It made me think that there are a very large number of red-winged black birds in these marches. However, it would be my contention that the number of no-see-ums (midges) far exceeds the number of birds. If at any time during the day the wind drops down, giants clouds of midges appear, as if by magic. Somehow these little devils are insanely attracted to me. This does make spending time in the marsh somewhat challenging.
The no-see-ums aren’t the only overly abundant insect species either. As we motor along the ICW in Georgia, we are often tormented by flies. These seem to be related to the deerfly or horsefly. That is to say they have a painful bite. Today while walking on St. Catherine Island we were able to enjoy the attentions of the midges, flies AND mosquitoes. How lucky is that? I also saw plenty of dragonflies-–fortunately they don’t seem to bite. I am ready to concede that marshes may well be the most productive ecosystems for insects.
Another early start and short trip took us from the Wahoo River to Wahlberg Creek behind St. Catherine Island. This creek is grassy marsh on one bank and some beach on the other. We plan to spend at least two nights here. On our journey here, we saw a deer swim across the ICW. Rod will remember seeing a group of deer do the same somewhere in North Carolina.
We had a brief conversation (from a good distance away) with some people on the beach of St Catherines island. They claimed that the island is home to lemur and gazelle. That’s not what you expect of a coastal island in Georgia. I have done some research and this appears to be true! Apparently there is a trust that owns the land and in the case of the lemurs, released formerly captive animals in an attempt to breed an endangered species that is only found in Madagascar. It seems that this experiment has worked well.
Gloria
31 40.993 N, 81 09.415 W
This evening I took the dinghy to shore to take some low light shots of the signature tree-skeletons that dot the shoreline. It was an unbelievably buggy experience! I prepared well by wearing long pants tucked into my socks, a long sleeve hoody, a "buff" around my neck and face and a hat. The only skin I had open were my hands and a narrow slit by my eyes. I haven't yet worked up these photos so all being well I'll show them tomorrow.
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