Throughout much of the country at this time of year, nature lovers enjoy a spectacle of changing leaves. Jekyll Island’s unique beauty is on display, too, as the calendar moves away from summer and toward a new year.
By JESSICA WHITTINGSLOW
Photography by BRIAN AUSTIN LEE
Beautiful Butterflies
If you yearn for autumnal hues of orange and yellow, catch migratory butterflies as they cruise through Jekyll on their journey south. Get a glimpse of the stunning chartreuse cloudless sulphur, the spotted bright orange Gulf fritillary, and their close lookalikes, striped monarchs. These spectacular species seek respite on the island’s south end this time of year before proceeding on their voyage.
Gorgeous Spartina
There are countless reasons why the islands off the coast of Georgia are called The Golden Isles. One that perhaps makes the most sense: the seasonal hue of Spartina alterniflora, or marsh grass. The sun accentuates the brilliant color of the grass, which shines in streams of woven gold in salty waterways. And Spartina is useful, too. Many species depend on this plant, including Crassostrea virginica, the iconic American oyster.
Magnificent Muhly
A sure sign of fall, the local muhly grass puts on a remarkable performance, with the plant’s purple-pink flowers erupting all over Jekyll. Resembling the plume of a posh hat, you’ll find clusters of this sweet grass in abundance as you make your way around the island.
Colorful Coquina
Hunt for treasure while you explore Jekyll’s beaches. Discover stray driftwood, various vibrant shells, and the occasional opaque piece of tumbled sea glass. As you wander, watch for brilliantly colorful coquina shells. These dainty, hinged mollusks come in an array of yellows, oranges, beiges, blues, and pinks that could inspire a sunset.
The Perfect Sunset
There’s nothing quite like a sunset, and Jekyll Island offers some of the best in the South. The sun’s golden scarlet glow, reflected off ocean or marsh, sparks a rippling reflection as it slowly sinks below the horizon. Just when you think the show is over, hues of coral and lavender color the sky for one last hurrah.
