Southeastern Wildlife Expostion February 15-17, 2013-Living The Wild Life In The Lowcountry

One of the most fascinating birds of prey, at least from my perspective, is the eagle. I got to observe this majestic bird up close while rafting on a river near the infamous Chilkoot Trail in Alaska. It was golden, the moment that is, not the eagle. The accipitridae was a bald eagle. Recently, I saw a post on Facebook from a neighbor stating they saw a bald eagle in a tree outside their house, which surprised me.

I really hadn't given it much thought, but bald eagles are right here in the Lowcountry. I have been to the South Carolina Aquarium, so I am sure I was exposed to this seemingly out of sight, out of mind fact, just hadn't previously given it much thought. After all, this resplendent raptor is not a frequent spectacle and I don't ever recall seeing one while cruising the intercoastal waters of Charleston's barrier islands.

During my research, I came to learn the southern bald eagle is smaller than its northern counterpart. But that seems to be true of other southern species. Southern deer are also smaller than the northern variety. I am sure there is a scientific explanation for this enigma. Maybe, it has something to do with the warmer climate here in the south. It is more difficult for larger bodies to cool themselves.

Once bald eagles stack out a territory, their dominance can last for decades. They live for 15 - 20 yrs and mate for life. Although, if one of the mates should die, the survivor will invite another mate into the nest. Since their main staples are fish and waterfowl, this keen-sighted opportunist likes to perch itself on the edge of a forest, overlooking a marsh or a field. Benjamin Franklin referred to the bald eagle as "a bird of bad moral character" who "does not get his living honestly." It often capitalizes off the hard work of the smaller osprey, stealing its catch.

This once endangered species has made a recovery. During nesting season, generally October to May, the bald eagle is very sensitive to human presence. Eagles and humans are attracted to the same real estate, water. Laws have been established that require buffer zones between nests and construction sights. During the nesting period, if a structure is under construction in the 330 ft to 660 ft buffer zone, work can only be done inside the buildings. Known sightings in the Lowcountry have been Dewees Island, Pickney Island, Bulls Island, Capers Island, and James Island, but a delightful surprise could occur anytime, anywhere in our coastal communities. If you are a tourist who loves birdwatching in the wild, Bulls Island should be on the top of your list.

Why this sudden preoccupation with the bald eagle? The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition takes place this week February 15th to the 17th. In its 31st year, the exposition has grown to be the largest event of its kind in the nation. 500 artists and exhibitors from around the globe will present their offerings to over 40,000 attendees. It hosts the world's foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education. Birds of Prey Flight Demonstration, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary Show, Julie Scardina, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Animal Ambassador, and Living with Wolves Presentation by Jim and Jamie Dutcher are some of the events I have my eagle eye on. For dog lovers, Two Tank DockDogs will be held at Brittlebank Park.

Marion Square will host the Center for Birds of Prey Demos, conservation exhibits, wildlife gifts and collectibles, Carolina Raptor Center, Edisto Island Serpentarium, power rock climbing, live music, and Taste of the Town. If you can get to Charleston Place on Friday at 10 am, there is the 99 Bottles of Art on the Wall Exhibit. 99 bottles of wine adorned with original paintings and sketches by SEWE artists will be on exhibition. Purchase a bottle of wine labeled with an original 4x5 painting and automatically enter for a chance to win a magnum bottle with original painting.

General Admission for all three days is $40 and $20 otherwise.

Grab Your Corkscrews and Tastevins, Its Food And Wine Festival Time In Charleston-March 1-4

As February unpretentiously leeps off the calendar, the arrival of March harolds the beginning of spring in Charleston. I write unpretentious, in reference to the weather. Although, it could have fooled this once-upon-a-time Northener. If it wasn't for the calendar, I would have thought it to be spring already. Aside from the few brief spats of cool weather, this has been the winter that never was. Admittedly, speaking from a Northeners point of view.

March springs in like a lion in Charleston. It sets in motion the beginning of the yearly round of festivals showcasing the reasons why it has become the number one destination of choice for travelers. So, let the festivities begin and what better way than the Charleston Food and Wine Festival, now in its seventh year. The Holy City's famous culinary traditions run deep and its "makes you weak in the knees" Southern cuisine stands in a class by itself. The chef's behind Charleston's prized culinary creations are noted among the best in the country and are the stars of this festival. Joining the best of Charleston will be a long list of guest chef's from all over the country.

Lest we not forget the wine that makes the heart rejoice, the perfect companion of great food. The varieties of wine are many, their names poetic, and to a commoner like myself, foreign. Chardonnay sounds like a name for a perfume to me and muscatel sounds like a men's after-shave. So, if you are like me, a person lacking in the fine wine skills of pairing the perfect vino to the meal, the festival affords you the opportunity to learn from the best sommeliers and wine connoisseurs. Local restaurant sommeliers as well as big name vineyards will offer you their expertise and knowledge.

Don't know what a sommelier is? Not to worry, I did't. That is until I came across the word while researching restaurants. A sommelier is a wine steward usually employed by fine restaurants who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food matching. A sommelier may also be responsible for the development of wine lists. They work along with the culinary team and also work on the floor of the restaurant and are in direct contact with restaurant patrons. Thursday March 1st, the Culinary Institute of Charleston Presents Charleston’s Top Sommelier Competition at the Palmer Amphitheater on Columbus Street. Unfortunately, it is an invitation only event. Last years Top Sommelier Champ was Patrick Emerson of Maverick Southern Kitchens.

The heart of the festival will be Culinary Village at Marion Square. Marion Square is a six and one half acre greenspace in downtown Charleston bounded by Calhoun, Meeting, and King streets. There will be 90 food, wine and spirit stations blended together throughout the Square, an open-air courtyard and an official Festival merchandise boutique along with the Grand Tasting Tents. Grilling demonstrations at the Outdoor Living + Grilling Area, food talks and hands-on demos, and the Thermador Cooking competitions are just a few of the attractions. The Thermador Cooking Competitions take place on Saturday, March 3 only in the Celebrity Kitchen. Lowcountry chefs will face-off against one other as they battle for the title of Charleston’s number one iron chef.

Something new for this years Food and Wine Festival is the Perimeter Pass at Culinary Village. It is an easy way to come to the Festival and enjoy the cooking demonstrations, competitions, grilling area, book signings and specialized seminars and talks. The ticket is $25 for the whole day. Times are 11:00 am to 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday and Sunday 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Each year a poster is selected to represent the Food and Wine Festival. Local artists are called upon to enter their inspirations into the competition. All entries were to be submitted by September 16, 2011 for a chance to win $1000 and the honor of seeing their creation featured at the Festival. The winner was chosen on November 17, 2011. Jessica Crouch became the first woman in the history of the Festival to earn the recognition.

So, hurry up and click on event tickets. They are going fast. Next, pack up your sommelier knife and tastevin and get yourself to the Food and Wine Festival March 1-4. Then, anticipate on having your taste buds not only tickled, but pleasantly roughed up. Celebrate life, celebrate Charlerston.

To conclude, here are some parting quotes. "Wine is bottled poetry." "Blind tastings are to wine what strip poker is to love." "Wine gives courage and makes men more apt for passion." "When it comes to wine, I tell people to throw away the vintage charts and invest in a corkscrew. The best way to learn about wine is the drinking." Cheers.

Steppin' Out Around Charleston And Rockin' Out At Piccolo Spoleto Summer Frenzy Block Party

Downtown Charleston, June 4, hot and humid. Revisited some old favorites in the Historic District. The Old Market was busy as usual. Strolled around observing people, took pictures, and gathered information for my next article. One man I passed was describing to what appeared to be visiting family the crepe myrtle and how it only blooms in the South. Although, he couldn't remember the name of the tree.

Stopped at Bubba Gumps for a "Boat Bucket of Trash", as it is called, and a refresher. The shrimp was good, but the fish was somewhat "trashy" or more appropriately, alittle "fishy". The waiter asked me how the food was and I politely said, "Good". I had no great expectations going in, its Bubba Gumps.

Back out on the street and on the move. Tour vendors were trying to coax patrons into signing up for their tours. One tour representative was offering couples, married or living together with an income, $125 to view one of their time shares down the road. Been there, done that, no thank you.

Walked around Queen Street and Church Street. Plenty of beautiful alleyways and cobblestoned roads to take pictures of. Nicely dressed groups of people were standing outside of the theaters waiting to get in to see the shows. Casually dressed and not so casually dressed individuals waited outside of restaurants. Thought about stopping at Boccis, but the line was too long. Walked past the Powder Magazine. The "Gentleman Pirate" had retired for the night. Admired the iron works on the Dock Street Theater.

It was now getting close to the time for the other reason I came downtown this evening. Walked over to King Street and headed towards Marion Square. There wasn't many shoppers at that time of night. I rounded the corner onto Calhoun Street. The various tents, food trucks, and stands lining the perimeter of the square came into view. I could hear the music ever so faintly in the distance coming from the direction where the stage was set up. The Piccolo Spoleto Summer Frenzy Block Party was underway.

The party-goers were just starting to gather around the stage and by the time the first band of the night, DJ TEC, had completed their set and the second band, Byog, was done setting up, the crowd had doubled. Gangrene Machine, Mingle and Calibrate, and Night School rounded out the entertainment for the rest of the evening.

There were a few spectators dancing to the rythmns of the night and as things progressed everyone had gotten into the party mood. The crowd battered around two beach balls for some added fun while they waited for each performance to begin. All in all, everyone appeared to have fun. It was a great night visiting my old friend, Charleston.