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The false spring of early November has finally eased into more typical fall like weather but not before confusing some of the small leaf rhododendron into blooming out of season. Birds are arriving daily. Large rafts of Bonaparte’s and ring-billed gulls are floating on both the surface and the breeze. We’re watching grebes practice their water dance while loons peer and dive in search of a quick snack. Eagles and broad-winged hawks are taking advantage of those upper-level winds as well, surveying Jocassee from above. On Wednesday, we caught a break between the forecasted rains for our last guides day of 2025. As we were leaving the mouth of Howards Creek, to our surprise and delight, one green-winged teal, (North America’s smallest dabbling duck) flew out in front of us and proceeded to swim ahead of the boat–totally undisturbed by our presence. It must have understood the intent of the day as it swam slowly along, allowing us an opportunity for a closer look. Thanks goes to Betsy Lewis, JLT Naturalist guide, for identifying it.

~ Sheryl White, JLT Naturalist guide