We are starting to see Belted Kingfishers after several month’s absence. This first one was checking out the ponds at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area yesterday.
There were two chasing each other around the pond at Magnolia Cemetery on Sunday. I captured one as he swooped low over the pond.
We get Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in our yard, but they are very shy, zipping away at the slightest movement towards them. These images were taken at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, near the ticket kiosk, with a steady stream of humans much of the day.
There is also a great selection of flowers for the hummers to feed on.
July 21, 2022
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
May 9, 2022
Or…
a one
and a two
and a three
All done.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
The Sandhill Crane family was on a walk when I passed by their marsh area.
The youngster, known as a colt because of their long legs, was curious about his surroundings but didn’t stray far from his parents. I didn’t see any sign that junior had started to fly, which happens around two months of age.
Sandhill Cranes are omnivores, poking around in the swamp and grasses for food.
The parents seemed to be more attentive than when I saw them two days before this.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
A pair of Black-necked Stilts swooped on by me as I stood on a dike at Orlando Wetlands.
Often described as “stately” due to their color scheme and long legs, they are also elegant flyers.
And fly they did, right on to the other side of this impoundment.
April 10, 2022
A young Sandhill Crane was busy looking around in the grass as his parents were feeding in the marsh.
They weren’t far off, 20 or 30 feet (6 to 9 meters), and maybe paying more attention to him than it appeared.
As they went around the water’s edge he trailed along behind them, but I didn’t see him eat anything.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 10, 2022
A Red-bellied Woodpecker was very busy investigating a small hole in a tree limb.
From another angle the bird is nearly camouflaged against the rough bark.
He finally put his head up long enough for me to get a better view, but never came fully out of the shade.
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
This Belted Kingfisher tormented me, as they generally do, by hovering over a small pond out of my camera’s reach.
Then he rested. I liked the appearance of his crown as an inversion of the palm tree.
