Resting place by Riverbanksoutdoorstore
Sand Spit Beach Trail
The Sand Spit Beach trail is a 2.5 mile linear trail that follows the shoreline of the Sand Spit peninsula off the north end of Honeymoon Island State Park. I found it to be a nice summer hike with cool breezes off the water. It was low tide with the smooth wet sand tempting me to almost walk the beaches in my bare-feet! The Coastal side of the beach was lined with blooming beach grasses waving in the breeze while blooming pink flowers from the crawling cross vines added a splash of color to the carpet of green covering the sand. As I made my way down the beach the people became more scarce and the shore bird activity seem to increase. The most common bird seemed to be the Willet. They seemed territorial and when one decided he wanted that territory, he would fly in and drive the other further down the beach. The Pelicans were busy off the shoreline, hovering and diving for fish.
Black Skimmer skimming for food
Reddish Egret nabs a fish!
Skimmers would fly by from the north end of island, skim the water right at the shore and then circle over to the other side in counter-clockwise fashion. I was fortunate to have them fly right by me on three separate occasions. After two miles of trekking down the beach and enjoying the scenery in the warm evening daylight, I came upon a Reddish Egret dancing in a side pool. I watched him run around in a circle and jump up in the air as if to fly while the breeze blew through his plumage to make is stand on end. Then he stopped for a moment to take a stab at the shallow water. I felt the excitement of success as up he came with a small white fish in his bill!
I watched this bird for several moments as he was very entertaining to watch. His ritual was almost like watching a graceful dance. I continued on to the end of the island delighted to find a diverse group of the smaller shorebirds clustered together. Amongst the common Seagull were Wilsons Plover, Ruddy Ternstone, Gull Tern and Sandpipers. I watched in amusement as they bathed and preened in the nearby puddle of water.
After a bath!
“What a satisfying day!” Were my thoughts as I retraced my steps back down the trail toward the parking lot. I took my time as the evening sun was setting rich warm glow on the sandy beach, the waving grasses, and on the white puffs of clouds above. I stopped periodically to snap few shots as the sun was setting fast. With a fast stride and one mile left to go, I see a bird near a resting bench on the side of the trail. He saw me but was too preoccupied with eating this whole crab to pay me much mind. Wanting to savor this moment, I watched as the night heron wrestled with the crab… swallow…. regurgitate…. swallow…. regurgitate.. and finally swallow again!
Dark crested Crowned Night Heron (immature) catches a crab!
Dusk was slowly turning to nighttime as I made my way back to the parking lot. This was a GREAT Summer hike but all good things must come to an end. I was satisfied with my adventure and knowing that stored in my camera are moments with nature I can cherish and share with others.
To view more photos on Flicker click on the Sand Spit Trail.
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07/13/2010 at 8:07 am
I am so glad you stayed later than the rest of us and was able to have such a wonderful evening! We need to head out there one weeknight after work and do it again!
07/13/2010 at 10:16 am
Yes I would hike it again! Very nice evening hike. The water gives off a nice breeze.