Two Hooded Merganser drakes were showing off for a female, doing their best to strut their stuff.
The female didn’t seem to be that interested, and much of the action was one male crowding the other out.
Back and forth they went, in and out of reflections created by trees on the far side of the pond.
A second female circled around a few times but she didn’t distract the drakes from the first female.
Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC
February 20, 2021
Even though these Red Camelia blooms did not have the obvious pollen as the White Camellia there was plenty of bee action.
And this bee was taking full advantage.
Lastly, a view of the full Camellia Tree, looking pretty snazzy.
Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC
February 20, 2021
I don’t see that many Canada Geese expect near housing developments, but a few have been hanging around the pond at Magnolia Cemetery recently.
This one entertained me with a stalk of vegetation that he seemed quite sure was valuable.
He carefully kept his back to his mate, clearly not looking to share this find.
In the end he dropped the whole thing back in the water, perhaps it was too tough or just not edible.
This winter I have seen Yellow-rumped Warblers at all my birding spots.
Sunday was no different when they were zipping all over Magnolia Cemetery.
This fellow gave me quite a few poses.
The decaying plot fences around the cemetery are common perching spots, if only for a moment.
The tangled shrubs that hang over the pond were the favorite spot that afternoon, perhaps because there was ample sun to warm the birds up.
This Camellia variety has the type of blossom with a prominent center and on Sunday the blooms were well visited by bees.
The bees were making a haul of pollen.
This flower was on the outside of the plant, right at my eye level making for nice closeups.
The temperature had been below freezing a few nights last week and I was rather surprised to see this much bee activity.
Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC
February 20, 2021
I didn’t see this Wood Stork until he took off; he had been tucked up to the edge of the pond right in front of me. He was so close I didn’t get his full wingspan.
He didn’t go far, touching down at the edge of a channel.
He immediately started feeding.
The spot didn’t seem to satisfy him.
Pretty soon he took off for further down the pond.
A variety of birds were spread along the far side of the pond and many of the Great Egrets were just standing around while American Avocet and American White Pelicans came and went. This pair seemed to be on the lookout for something.
One did fly in and join the group. I suspect those posts are the remnants of a duck blind.
The Great Egret made the typical graceful landing and the others paid no attention.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 17, 2021
American Avocet aren’t the only birds in these images, but I haven’t seen one in awhile so thought I’d give them top billing. And I really like them with their snazzy color scheme.
I sure was hoping they would fly closer to my side of the pond.
Instead they disappeared on the other side of the marsh.
Two of a flock of American White Pelicans decided to be on their way while a few more continued to feed.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area
February 17, 2021
The weather forecast promised a sunny day.
Not so much.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
February 17, 2021
