We Have a New Alligator

He is a young male previously spotted in the small pond next to the volleyball court. It is likely that he’s on the move because the big gator in the large apartment ponds will not allow him to stay where he was. This is the time of year when male alligators are likely to be moving. It is unlikely that he will stay, as our pond has a lot of activity around it.

Please be aware that alligators move around and may show up in any of our ponds.

Enjoy gator watching but please ALWAYS KEEP YOUR DISTANCE! Stay 60 or more feet away. Photographers, use the telephoto lens.

DO NOT FEED ANY ALLIGATOR! It is illegal for good reason. It habituates them to humans and they associate them with food–not good! Though alligator attacks are actually very rare–only 11 have been documented in SC since 1948 (none fatal)–this is what can cause aggression.
The University of Georgia has a very informative alligator safety pamphlet.
http://srelherp.uga.edu/alligators/safety/AlligatorSafetyGeneral.pdf
We are placing a copy of it in the clubhouse.

Phil Baugus reports that this alligator is not making any attempt to approach him–a good indication that he has not been fed by people. Let’s keep it that way.

Any gator that gets a call on it is not moved, it is killed. Please let's live together in harmony with the alligators as with other critters in our woods. It’s theirs as well.

Many thanks to Michele Isaacs (building 1000) for her valuable input. 

Expectant Mom in Our Woods

Danielle Lowe took this remarkable photo of a mother hummingbird sitting on her nest from her 2nd floor unit and the view inside the nest from the 3rd floor. The nest is in the woods in front of building 800 where the hummingbird can sometimes be seen flying high in the trees. She is a regular resident here in the early summer. Can you see the bits of spider web extending below the nest? Hummingbirds often take advantage of web strands' strength and elasticity for building nests.

Thank you Danielle! Anyone else have wildlife photos to share? We'd love to see them. Please contact Tom Brown: tom.retreat@gmail.com.

By the way, the ideal formula for hummingbird feeder “nectar” is 1 cup granulated white sugar to 4 cups water. You can start out with just a bit more water to allow for loss by steam. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring gently and let cool before placing into feeder. Please DO NOT USE powdered or brown sugar, maple syrup, Karo syrup, Splenda, Equal, Sweet'N'Low, or Kool Aid–they all contains ingredients that will harm the hummers.

There’s no need for adding red food coloring or dye to the solution. It has no nutritional value and can cause damage to their kidneys. If you have a good feeder, there is no need to have red color to attract them. I have a friend in Tuscon who uses clear test tube-like bottles to attract flocks of them.

A Natural Talent Among Us

Thank you to Diana Baugus for sharing these remarkable photos taken around our neighborhood. Wildlife photography is uniquely challenging and Diana really has a knack for it!

Our Iconic Egret

Canada Geese and Mallards with New Families

Red Shouldered Hawk

Rumor has it, she's captured some more.

Hopefully, she will share!

What's Happening to Our Fountain?!

Please note: the fountain will be temporarily drained Wednesday May 15 for a few days/likely to stay drained over the weekend for a detailed inspection in advance of a Board decision to schedule resurfacing and resealing the inside of the fountain.  

You are not necessarily crazy if you think you see waders in the fountain or the water plume and lighting look different to you every week or two. The Fountain Committee is is experimenting with fountain nozzles and lighting effects.

These are steps in the committee's overall plan for restoring and improving our fountain and circle.

Submitted by Jim Hay, Fountain Committee Chairman

Termite Swarming Season

Spring is when termites hatch and fly off in swarms. See the difference between termites and flying ants.

Our contractors at Atlantic Pest Control perform regular termite inspections and apply preventative treatment. Plus, our building exteriors are constructed of brick and concrete siding, so there's nothing visible that termites can harm. So, should we worry?

It's wise for us all to be observant, as termites can actually squeeze behind the outer layers and sink their nasty little teeth into structural wood and other vulnerable materials. Termites can build earthen shelter tubes from the ground into structures for protection from predators and to help maintain a moist environment. Many times these tubes are built on inside walls or porches where they cannot be easily seen. In some cases, if water and wood are available from a source other than the soil, subterranean termites can establish a colony with no ground contact. Isolated, above-ground infestations may occur in buildings where termites have access to water from condensation, leaking pipes, roofs, or other sources.

What to watch out for: swarming termites, tubes of mud along walls or piles of sawdust.

 

Who to contact if you see a swarm or suspect termite activity: call Atlantic Pest Control at 795-4010 and contact Jen Webb at CMG: 795-8484 or jwebb@cmgcharleston.com