All posts by Ellen Jennings

Animals

Twin Lambs and a Single

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Last year the first one lamb at Middleton Place was born April 7th so I was somewhat surprised when I stopped by on Monday, March 14th and was told “any day now.” I didn’t get back until Thursday, to find a single had been born on Tuesday and a set of twins arrived just that morning.

Twin Lambs, Born March 17
Twin Lambs, Born March 17

The twins were finishing up feeding when I got there and almost immediately collapsed into sleep.

Twin Lambs, Born March 17
Twin Lambs, Born March 17

The older one was more adventurous, spending some time under the shelter.

Single Lamb, Born March 15
Single Lamb, Born March 15

Then she checked out her new mates.

Single Lamb Checking Out The Twins
Single Lamb Checking Out The Twins

I look forward to photographing them as they grow, and hopefully in better light.

Single Lamb
Single Lamb

The twins having a look around.

Twin Lambs and Mama
Twin Lambs and Mama

Middleton Place BarnYard, Charleston, SC
March 17, 2022

 

Wading Birds

Feeding Pool: Snowy Egret Dancing on Water

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The Snowy Egrets were quite entertaining as the skipped and danced across the water.

Snowy Egret Dancing on Water
Snowy Egret Dancing on Water

There was so much going on it was hard to know where to look.

Snowy Egret Dancing on Water
Snowy Egret Dancing on Water – dragging his beak looking for food

A few Roseate Spoonbills and Tricolored Herons were in the mix.

Snowy Egret Dancing on Water
Snowy Egret Dancing on Water

Whatever they were eating was very small, and the water was cloudy so I couldn’t see it.

Snowy Egret Dancing on Water
Snowy Egret Dancing on Water

Tip toes stirring the water.

Snowy Egret Dancing on Water
Snowy Egret Dancing on Water

Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL
January 31, 2022

Wading Birds

Glossy Ibis, And Friend

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I was delighted to spot a Glossy Ibis in close range, even if he was being stalked by a Tricolored Heron looking to feed on any fish stirred up by the Ibis.

Glossy Ibis and Tricolored Heron
Glossy Ibis and Tricolored Heron

Finally, the Glossy Ibis made a pivot to the left leaving his companion behind for a moment and flashing his green iridescent side.

Glossy Ibis
Glossy Ibis

Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL
January 31, 2022

Insects

Mating Damselflies, Mid March

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Yesterday I wandered by the spot where I witnessed Mating Damselflies, On Iris last April. The previous two nights had been below freezing so I was a bit surprised that there were a dozen or so tiny damselflies zipping around the edge of the pond.

It was breezy and my angle wasn’t great but I did capture this mating pair.

Mating Damselfly Pair
Mating Damselfly Pair

And this single, resting on a leaf.

Damselfly
Damselfly

Unknown species, small — maybe 1 1/2 inches long (3 to 4 cm)

Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
March 14, 2022