Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge: Transformation in Action

 

“You just have to live and life will give you pictures.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson


    From native American fishing grounds to colonial homestead to plantation worked by slaves to hunting retreat to wildlife refuge, Pinckney Island in lowcountry South Carolina has witnessed much in its recorded history. I shared some details in my post from January 14, 2023...

    I’ve referred in my recent birding posts to the beauty of Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge. In this one, I thought I’d show you a view of the refuge itself. As you walk north along the main trail, off to your left past the marsh you will see Mackay Creek, a lovely blue sliver of water that also separates the South Carolina mainland from the island of Hilton Head. The creek is named for Alexander Mackay, the first European to call Pinckney Island his home. The island was later sold to the famed Pinckney family, one of whom was a signer of the Constitution. After the Civil War, the island changed hands again and was used as a hunting retreat. Freshwater ponds were built which still exist in the refuge today. 

    Pinckney Island NWR was established in 1975 after the final private owners realized it was too special not to share with everyone and donated it to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It is an important part of the series of refuges along the Atlantic Flyway, providing safe haven for many migratory bird species and a rookery for wading birds like the egrets and stork in my other posts. It’s also a fun place for us to walk the trails, kayak around the island, and observe the wildlife. On this day, the gorgeous clouds helped add a little something extra to the outdoors experience. Wouldn’t you agree?

Clicking on the image will open it in full screen

‘Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge,’ a view from this incredible back-barrier island on a fabulous lowcountry afternoon in coastal South Carolina.

www.johnjgiardinaphotography.com


Location: Pinckney Island, South Carolina 29910, USA

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