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
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
December 30, 2023
A Downy Woodpecker provided me with several photographic opportunities on a late November walk.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 16, 2023
A Downy Woodpecker was very intent on eating these dried berries. The spot had just been vacated by a Ruby-crowned Kinglet and this diminutive woodpecker hardly moved as he took a turn from what looked like an awkward spot.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 16, 2023
Tilting his head waaaaay back, this Pileated Woodpecker was having a good look at the sky before checking out his level.
Look up…
Look left…
…and right…
He flew to a nearby tree, spottable mostly because of his red-top.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 16, 2023
I could hear this Red-bellied Woodpecker working in a dense tree above the walking path and finally spotted him as he changed position.
I couldn’t see what he was getting but he was quite intent…
twisting around for a better reach.
After a bit he flew to a nearby tree…
…then even further away.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 27, 2023
Belted Kingfishers regularly perch on the water control trunks along the dike between their hunting runs. This one is facing the pond, watching the water for movement.
There was a little morning fog hanging over the pond adding to the scene.
This time she landed facing the marsh where the inlets provide another hunting ground.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 4, 2023
This Yellow-bellied Sapsucker surprised me as I was walking along under some Live Oak trees.
There he was with a sun beam right on him, not the usual bird tucked behind a dark branch.
Then he was gone.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 5, 2023
In between watching the action of the Red-headed Woodpeckers and Blue Jays in yesterday’s post I captured some images of just the woodpecker.
These dead pine trees made nice perches, even if the birds were very high up.
They were zipping around so much I have no idea how many there were.
This one looked like he might have been foraging for a meal, but he didn’t do any serious pecking.
Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 19, 2023
There was a lot of bird chase action in the upper reaches of some pine trees I passed.
I thought the Blue Jay was the aggressor, he was certainly making the most noise.
Multiple individuals of both species were involved. Some of the Red-headed woodpeckers were adults, with a few juveniles as seen above mixed in.
I watched them go back and forth for about 20 minutes and never figured out what the ruckus was about.
Both were showing off their flying skills, and maybe that was the point.
Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 19, 2023
