This pair of Sandhill Cranes nonchalantly wandered out of the marsh/tall grass to my left.
I knew they were around so wasn’t totally surprised, but didn’t expect them to just start preening on the trail.
I got a nice look at how flexible their necks are.
And that gorgeous red eye patch.
After I passed by they separated a bit, but I noticed looking back that the pair stayed pretty close together.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
December 30, 2023
The Black Vultures at Orlando Wetlands were warming up in the morning sun before taking to the skies.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
December 30, 2023
I call it a snack because it takes a lot of these to make a meal. Keeping fed is a full time job for these wading birds.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
March 29, 2024
We’ve made several trips to the wading bird rookery in Port Royal over the last few weeks. Each time I’ve heard Barred Owls calling around the neighborhood. Once I spotted one being chased by a crow, and on this day one was perched just outside the Yellow-crowned Night-heron rookery.
I didn’t have that great a view of the owl, but I think he had a great view of the rookery. There aren’t any heron chicks yet, but I expect this Owl will be a challenge for the heron parents.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
March 29, 2024
One Yellow-crowned Night-Heron was busy selecting sticks for nest building.
It was a short hop across the boardwalk where I was standing to the rookery.
He was checking the route…
Finally he launched…
I couldn’t see where he landed–there were several pairs with robust looking nests and lots of single birds hanging around.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
March 29, 2024
The rookery area that the Yellow-crowned Night-Herons have chosen at Cypress Wetlands is dense, hanging with vines and Spanish Moss, and the trees are rapidly leafing out, impeding the view of those passing by.
So these action shots of a little territory set-to only features one of the players, the heron that was first on the limb.
The arriving heron remained blocked from my view…
and in the end, the interloper moved on.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
April 5, 2024
A Snowy Egret showing off his moves and his brightly colored feet, hoping to attract a mate.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
March 29, 2024
Another set of the Cedar Waxwings eating mulberries.
Port Royal, SC
March 29, 2024
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 22, 2024
Looking over the railing of the boardwalk through the rookery I spotted cammo-frog.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
March 29, 2024
