There was a lot going on at Bird Key and it was hard to focus on just one bird. The boat was moving, many of the birds were moving and every which way, the water was moving…you get the idea.

I did follow this one Pelican flying along the shore, hoping to see him land.

He flew over another Pelican frolicking in the surf and past some Laughing Gulls.

The Pelican in the water started flapping like he was going to take off.

I’m not sure now if this was the flying bird settling into the water, or the flapper who just sunk back down for some more spa treatment from the surf.

Taken from a boat at Bird Key Stono Heritage Preserve
Between Kiawah Island and Folly Beach, SC
July 12, 2021
Those were challenging conditions! Wonderful photos, Ellen 😊
Thanks, Belinda! The surf is really quite rough there, so I was happy with what I got. And happy I didn’t feel seasick like I did when we made this trip on a smaller boat a few years ago 🤪.