Well, they really weren’t paying any attention to the passing Skimmer, but the Black-crowned Night-heron and Alligator add something to the images. It was shortly after sunrise and the light wasn’t yet reaching the water or the near side of the pond.

When the Skimmer lifted off the water to make a turn he was nicely lit.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026