It was late March of 2023 when we decided to take a trip down to the low country of South Carolina, for an adventure at Donnelly Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This would be my second attempt to visit this truly photogenic area. My first attempt was met with a closed gate and a sign that read, “Closed for a 3-day wild pig hunt.” Though initially disappointed, that wouldn’t last. I was in the low country, and I knew there were an unlimited number of sites to explore, but I’ll save those for another story.
Donnelly is a very large area, encompassing some 8000 acres of diverse habitats. The land was once used for rice cultivation and the property features a historic rice field system designated to attract migratory birds and other waterfowl. It is part of the ACE Basin ecosystem, and the Audubon Society has deemed it an important global bird area.
Birds aren’t the only critters that you’ll find in Donnelly Wildlife Management Area. It is home to a variety of different species, including alligators, deer, snakes, bobcats, wild boar, reptiles, amphibians, smaller mammals and a ton of insects as well. And though you’re not guaranteed to see all these critters, you’re sure to see your fare share of birds and gators.
It was a little chilly when we arrived on the property, and it was apparent that other than the abundant wildlife, we pretty much had the area to ourselves. An 11-mile, sandy road meanders its way through the property, winding through a maze of pine trees, live oaks and marshy areas, affording captivating scenery along the way.
About half a mile in, we came upon the Boynton Nature Trail. This 2.2-mile trail circles around part of the old rice field complex and through a section of the forest. Brackish and freshwater ponds are found on either side of the trails. It was here that we came upon an abundant number of egrets, blue herons, cormorants and other feathered creatures, wading throughout the ponds.
This wasn’t all we saw in these ponds. Surprisingly, despite being less than 60˚, we came across quite a few alligators, both in the ponds and sunning along the edges. We even saw a momma gator with her little ones along one of the banks in the water. A video of which can be found on my YouTube channel. Super cool!
As we worked our way back out, we stopped by the old Boynton House. A Victorian-style farmhouse, built sometime around the beginning of the twentieth century. A picture can be found below. The Boynton’s raised cattle on this part of the property and as you may have guessed, the trail is named after them.
Once back on the main road, we found ourselves awed by the Spanish moss hanging from the trees. One massive live oak in all its glory, stood out against an open field, just beckoning to be photographed. Which I just so happened to oblige.
Around the backside of the property, we were treated to the sight of more birds and gators. In fact, I captured an egret taking flight from a pond, as a gator rested in the background on the bank.
All in all, we saw roughly 60 alligators on this day, not to mention well over a hundred birds and an immense amount of naturistic beauty.
If you’re down in the low country, Donnelly Wildlife Management Area is well worth a visit. You won’t be disappointed. Just be sure to check their webpage before you go to verify there aren’t any hunts going on. Ha ha!
I hope you enjoy the pictures below as much as I enjoyed taking them. Also, please be sure to check out my Photo Collections before you leave. There, you’re sure to find the perfect print for any room in your home, office or place of business. Thanks for spending a few minutes of your day with me. I hope to see you out on one of our many adventures. Have a fantastic day!
