A few camellias were still in bloom.

My favorite bird is the great blue heron- so regal.

One of the perks of my newly found freedom is my weekly walks at Magnolia Gardens.  Not only is it incredibly beautiful there, but it is so peaceful.  These pictures were taken on the River Path, which runs between the marsh and the Ashley River.  My walk this week took me through the swamp garden, where I marveled at a tree with TEN great blue heron nests in it.  The nests are as big as a trash can lid and were tended by both male and female birds.  While I watched the  male swooping back and forth across the marsh, collecting grasses for the nest, which he delivered for the waiting female to weave into place, silent alligators were gliding through the water beneath the tree.  When the third gator arrived, I decided it was time to leave!