All Photos by Debra Roinestad. Female Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
These majestic birds get their name from the humming noise their wings make in flight. Hummingbirds flap their wings 10 to more than 80 times per second. Here in South Carolina, we have four species of hummingbirds, the ruby-throated hummingbird, rufous hummingbird, black-chinned hummingbird, and calliope hummingbird. The most common one I have seen in my backyard is the ruby-throated hummingbird. The ruby-throated hummingbirds’ wings flap about 53 times a second. The males have ruby-red throats and the females have white throats.
Female Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Overall, research indicates that the hummingbird can fly 23 miles in one day. Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backward. They can see ultraviolet light plus RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) due to the fourth cone in their eyes. Hummingbirds can see red and green colors very well. Plus, hummingbirds can recognize humans that feed them and change the contents of their feeder. They are in desperate need of nectar in the fall season for energy to fly back to Mexico or Florida for the winter. A few remain in the winter along the coast. In the spring many of them fly over the Gulf of Mexico back to the U.S. in one non-stop flight.
Female Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Fun Facts About Hummingbirds
(c) Facts.net
If a hummingbird crosses your path, or visits your home, know that it is a blessing. Throughout history, hummingbirds have been associated to be a symbol of light and joy.
Art & Design: Debra Roinestad (c) Comfy Cabin, 2022
Here is a free guide to help identify hummingbirds in your backyard from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.Click Here.
Trochilidae–Kolibris from Kunstformen der Natur (1904) by Ernst Haeckel
Adorable Black Bear: Trail Camera (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
September is a special time for black bears. The bears enter hyperphagia and look for food up to 20 hours a day! They have definitely been more active in the back of the woods near our trail camera. Read more about bears in September here.
Hope you have fun watching these trail camera videos.
Illustration: Butterflies and Moths (1596–1610) by Anselmus Boëtius de Boodt
Throughout time moths have been a symbol of rebirth and transformation. Although, some may have negative connotations with moths such as death and dying or simply having holes left inside your expensive sweaters. The moth is a reminder for us to lighten up and not to take life so seriously. The Hopi Tribe uses the moth as their power animal and displays this mystical insect in decorative pottery and dance costumes.
Photo: Hopi Cylindrical Jar by Grace Chapella (c) Adobe Gallery: Art of the Southwest Indian
Since I moved to the woods in South Carolina, I have spent two years compiling photos of these magnificent moths that have briefly stopped by for a quick visit at my front door.
May the magic of the moth spark a light within you everywhere you go.
They are found in the woodland and love to eat oak leaves. Both males and females are bright orange with a white spot on both sides of their wings. The white spots remind me of the ‘evil eye’ that symbolizes protection.
Clymene Moth
The clymene moth is rare and is thought to be a spiritual sign of a ‘blessing’ for those who come across this beauty. They are known for their gorgeous markings of the cross on their wings that extend inwards.
Imperial Moth
A lovely combination of yellow and brown. Its main purpose is to reproduce. This beautiful moth has a lifespan of one week because it doesn’t eat.
More about the Imperial Moth.
Geometer Moth
Geometer moths are small to medium in size and have slender bodies. They are also known as the pepper and salt geometer or peppered moth because of the light and dark bands on their wings. The adult size range from small to medium.
Cossula Magnifica (Pecan Carpenterworm Moth)
When I saw this moth, I thought it was a piece of stick that got caught onto the front of the cabin after a rain storm. 😂 Their wingspan is 32-45mm and the markings have tiny black dashes with light grey wings. They eat wood and lay their eggs on the wood.
Azalea Sphinx (Sphinx Moth)
A very large moth with large chunky wings that can fly 12 mph. They are called sphinx moths because when resting their turtle-like heads retract and resemble the symbol of the sphinx. These moths need to raise their body temperature to 96 degrees F to fly.
Rosy Maple Moth
The rosy maple moth is known to be one of the most beautiful moths due to its vibrant pink and yellow colors. The females lay 10-30 eggs on the underside of the leaves. Their wingspan is 3.4-5.2 cm. These moths have thick and fuzzy bodies with long antennae that allow them to detect pheromones. Mating adults are looking for partners in the early summer through fall. In South Carolina, mating occurs in March-October.
Leopard Moth
I saw this one on my way to the local supermarket, Ingles. It was hiding on the white cement wall by the entrance. The leopard moth is recognized by its white wings and black spots. Their wingspan is 5.7-9.1 cm. The underside of the belly is a bright blue.
Here is a video displaying all the details of the leopard moth.
It’s so rare to capture a hawk on a trail camera. We feel very lucky to have captured footage of this guy (on the right) that landed at the back of our cabin. I love the attitude and entitled stare at the camera. 🥰 To read more about hawks in South Carolina visit Wild Bird World.
Hawk: Trail Camera, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022Hawk, Birds of America (1827) by John James Audubon, etched by William Home Lizars. Goshawk female (Accipiter gentilis) 1929, illustrated by the von Wright brothers.
Bonus
Fawn & Deer: Trail Camera, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Deer at Night: Trail Camera, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
This little gal has a cute backstep after eating. Eat, peck, kick, repeat, eat, peck, kick, repeat. Who knew a turkey had a rhythm when eating? Aside from that did you know that turkeys can see better than humans? They can see in color and their eyesight covers 270 degrees.
For more fun facts about turkeys click here on the World Animal Protection website.
“Most people don’t realize turkeys are friendly, they’re social, they’re loyal, and they have emotions.” —Shannon Elizabeth
American Wild Turkey, Crested Curassow, Galeated Curassow, and Red Curassow from A history of the earth and animated nature (1820) by Oliver Goldsmith (1730-1774).
Here are adorable deer videos from our trail cameras. I have been researching and finding many historical wildlife illustrations from the 1800’s. Hope you like. 🙂
P.S. Check-out our post on setting up the trail cameras here.
Trail Camera: Deer (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Trail Camera: Deer (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Trail Camera: Deer (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Trail Camera: Deer (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Trail Camera: Fawn (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022American Deer (Cervus Virginianus) from the viviparous quadrupeds of North America (1845) illustrated by John Woodhouse Audubon (1812-1862). Original from The New York Public Library.
Look at those eyes! Deer at Night (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022Deer or Virginian Deer (Cervus Virginianus) from the viviparous quadrupeds of North America (1845) illustrated by John Woodhouse Audubon (1812-1862). Original from The New York Public Library.
Parker Concert Hall, Brevard Music Center (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
If you are looking for nature, music, and beauty consider visiting the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina. The Brevard Music Center is a community of highly talented musicians who have devoted their life to music that brings joy to so many people.
Parker Concert Hall, Brevard Music Center (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022Steinway & Sons Piano, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
There is a combination of excitement as the musicians begin their performance, soothing everyone into serene calmness. At the Brevard Music Center, you will find a music mix of opera, banjo, and classical music. There is a little bit of everything for everyone!
Interview with Keith Lockhart, Artistic Director
As of now, the summer outdoor concerts have begun. When you arrive at the Brevard Music Center, you will be greeted with a whimsical portrait of Beethoven wearing a pair of cool sunglasses. Also, many talented high students are back and are eager to perform. Outdoor summer concerts are held at Whittington Pfohl-Auditorium. Winter concerts are held in Parker Concert Hall, overlooking Lake Milner.
Beethoven wearing a pair of cool sunglasses, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022Outside of Whittington Pfohl-Auditorium, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022Inside of Whittington Pfohl-Auditorium, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Norman Krieger & John Schindler teaching a young pianist
Inside Parker Concert Hall, Brevard Music CenterButterfly sculpture at Parker Concert Hall, Brevard Music Center, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022Outside view at Parker Concert Hall, Brevard Music CenterBeautiful garden at Parker Concert Hall, Brevard Music Center, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Consider visiting this lovely place, I promise you…it will not disappoint.
Photo by Debra Roinestad, Caesars Head Overlook (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Thirsty for some adventure? Then take the higher ground! Get your thrills quenched at Caesars Head State Park. Caesars Head is a mountain within Caesars Head State Park in northern Greenville County, South Carolina. The Summit has an elevation of 3,215 feet. The trail is well maintained and about 14 miles from Greenville S.C.
Video: Caesars Head Overlook by Fradella Hikes
Caesars Head got its name because there are a series of steep steps that lead down a narrow passageway between two massive rocks.
Photo by Kurt Roinestad (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022Photo by Kurt Roinestad (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Many have said that it is called Caesar’s head because the rocks resemble the profile of Julius Caesar. I agree…lol. 😅
Photo by Ilona Frey, Julius Caesar (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Here are 3 Reasons to Visit Caesars Head at Caesars Head State Park
Photo by Debra Roinestad, Caesars Head Overlook (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Easy Hiking
Photo by Jon Flobrant (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
This is the perfect place for beginners and families. You can stop by the overlook to get fantastic views. Then if you are up for the challenge, there are moderate to strenuous hikes. The mountain bridge wilderness links to Caesars Head and Jones Gap State Parks.
Bird Watching
Photo by Richard Lee (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
From September through November thousands of migrating raptors soar upwards and hang around the rocky outcrop to conserve their energy as they migrate to their winter ranges.
Gifts, Gifts, Gifts!
Photo by Caley Dimmock (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Due to the large volume of visitors arriving daily, the Visitors’ Center makes sure they have a very large stock of items for sale. So, before or after your hike, visit their lovely gift shop. They have jewelry, coffee mugs, books, hiking equipment, and T-shirts. They sell fun items for dogs too.
So, consider adding this exciting destination to the top of your list when visiting South Carolina.
Rock, paper, scissors? Of course, I always choose rocks! There is a beauty within every single rock that can be found during a long walk in the woods. And for all the rock hounds in the house… here are the 8 precious rocks that can be found in the woods of SC. Plus, many other gemstones are waiting to be discovered.
Photo: LilArtsy (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Clear Crystal Quartz
Photo: Benjamin Lehman, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Clear Crystal Quartz is known for brining the body back to balance. It is a crystal that amplify energy and is very restorative. Crystal quartz is a chemical compound consisting of one part silicon and two parts oxygen. It is silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is the most abundant crystal found at Earth’s surface, and its unique properties make it one of the most useful natural substances.
Photo: Jene Yeo, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Citrine
Photo: Benjamin Lehman, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Citrine is associated with positivity and positive optimism. Citrine is a transparent variety of quartz, a member of the silicates family. Citrine comes in variety of colors from yellow, yellowish brown, and smoky gray-brown.
Photo: Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Smoky Quartz
Photo: Esther Verdu, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Smoky quartz are minerals that frequently contain inclusions of gas (carbon dioxide), liquid (often both water and carbon dioxide), or solids (rutile). In the 12th century in China, smoky quartz flat panes were used as sunglasses. Smoky quartz is used as an amplifier of positive energy, and a talisman for energy protection.
Photo: Esther Verdu, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Milky Quartz
Photo: Who-Is-Denilo, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Milky quartz is any crystal quartz or cluster that is white in color, and translucent to opaque. This crystal is commonly known as the “phantom quartz” because inside the crystal has a ghostly appearance…it is a crystal within a crystal. Milky quartz is a chemical compound consisting of one part silicon and two parts oxygen…it is silicon dioxide (SiO2). Many have considered this stone to be known as a symbol of purity, along with the age of innocence.
Photo: Debra Roinestad, Combination: Milky Quartz & Clear Crystal with Smoky Quartz, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Mica
Photo: Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Mica has industrial uses such as electrical engineering, glass working, lamp shades, and cosmetics like highlighters. Mica is an aluminum mineral called phyllosilicate. Mica has been used as an amulet for protection and bringing positive energy back into your life.
Amethyst
Photo: Jen Theodore (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Amethyst is a semiprecious quartz variant with a distinctive purple color. Both North Carolina and South Carolina are hotspots for amethyst due to the soil’s high content of crystal and iron. When amethysts is heated treated, it becomes yellow like its cousin citrine. In ancient Greece, amethysts was used as drinking vessels. Amethyst is known to be a healing crystal to help alleviate stress.
Photo: Ilze Lucero, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Aquamarine
(c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
Aquamarine aids in calming the mind and helps with self-expression. Aquamarine is the mineral Beryl, a Beryllium Aluminum Silicate with the chemical formula Be3Al2(Si16O18). In ancient times, sailors carried aquamarine with them to the sea, believing it would prevent them from drowning. Aquamarine is a popular stone for engagement rings. Overall, aquamarine is associated with tranquility and universal harmony. It’s connected to life in all its vitality and hope.
Henderson Gneiss
Photo: Debra Roinestad, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
I fondly call this rock, the ‘zebra rock’ because the striation looks like a zebra. 🦓 🙂 Genesis is a metamorphic rock that can easily be identified by its alternating layers of minerals known as gneissic banding. It is formed by high temperature and high-pressure metamorphic processes acting on formations composed of igneous or sedimentary rocks. Some genesis contains larger crystals such as, quartz, feldspar, mica, chlorite, and other clay minerals. Genesis has been used for beautiful floor tiles, facing stone, stair treads, window sills, countertops, and cemetery monuments.
“These gems have life in them: their color speak, say what words fail of.” -George Eliot
Photo: Susan Wilkinson, (c) The Comfy Cabin, 2022
What makes rocks so mystical?
Throughout history, many have used rocks and crystals for healing purposes.
It has helped restore comfort during stress and calmness during times of grief. I have found much comfort in my rock collection.
Here is an article from Healthline on Healing Crystals 101
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