Tulip Magnolias I’ve seen from a distance have been pretty spectacular again this year but the trees I’ve gotten close to don’t seem as robust.
However, there have been some lovely individual blooms.
And there are quite a few blossom styles showing off.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 15 and 20, 2022
The Black-and-white Warbler is another bird I had not spotted in a long while.
This one showed off his upside down walking skills.
Oh, I see you!
And then went about his business.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 15, 2022
A Downy Woodpecker chose a wide open spot on a vine wrapped tree for a moment of rest.
I haven’t seen many Downy Woodpeckers lately; 2018 was the last time I had one on this blog.
This one posed for a few images before getting to work looking for food.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 15, 2022
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
February 21, 2022
Canon 100mm Macro Lens
Landing gear down, an American White Pelican prepared for splash down.
He aimed for the wake his pal had just left…
…and his pal.
I guess they have done this before…
…Â neither displayed any concern about their proximity.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 9, 2022
I missed the actual lift off from the water, and you can see from the little splash that it was a dainty maneuver. I believe this trio was standing on a submerged log, not on the muddy pond floor, which likely would take more effort.
One big flap of the wings and he was up…
and away, leaving his pals behind.
As I’ve witnessed other times, he wasn’t going far after all that. He settled on the other side of a hummock and started to feed.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 9, 2022
A Reddish Egret was feeding in a shallow pond, pretty calmly for a Reddish Egret.
I was disappointed not to see any of the wild abandon they often display as they feed.
Calm was working for him on this morning.
He snatched several small edibles from the water, making little ripples.
I was out with my shorter lens when this Red-shouldered Hawk flew into a tree ahead of me in a local park. Like me, he had places to go and quickly moved on.
February 11, 2022
I expected to see a Mockingbird when I heard this jaunty fellow calling.
Like the Mocking Bird, Catbirds can imitate other birds as they sing.
The bright feathers under the tail gave him away as a Gray Catbird.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 9, 2022
