I have often seen a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker drill holes in a tree to release sap, or at least heard one doing it. They tend to be methodical, going round and round a tree limb. This was the first time I had watched one revisiting his drilled holes to feast on the flowing sap. A small joy of being in winter with no leaves on the trees to block such a view.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 12, 2024
There was no mistaking the noise but it took me a couple of minutes to spot this Peacock way over my head.
I maneuvered around so the sun wasn’t back lighting him and he gave a couple more calls.
Then he fluffed a little bit and I thought he was going to drop down, or maybe raise his tail. I’m sure he did, but not while I was watching and I finally moved on, still hearing his call as I headed to the bamboo garden.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 24, 2024
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
