A pair of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks flying by in the first morning light.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Black-bellied Whistling Duck Pair In Flight
Category Archives: Duck
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, First Light
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks were hanging out on a series of snags in the first morning light.
Everyone had their own spot.
And they weren’t alone.
This snag stands in one of the wetland cells created as part of the city’s water reclamation process.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Bird Variety in Bulls Island Pond
Most of the birds we saw on Bulls Island were far off, but there was a lot of variety. This fresh water pond was hosting wading birds, ducks and shore birds.
A path between two ponds had a few spots where you could peak between the underbrush for a better view.
A group of shore birds was making the rounds.
Bulls Island is a 5000 acre barrier island off the coast of South Carolina with multiple ecosystems including maritime forest, fresh and brackish water impoundments and salt marsh.
April 3, 2022
Ducks in the Marsh Scene
A few Blue-winged Teal were cruising close to my position on a marsh dike.
IÂ had hoped to inch a bit closer and a better angle.
The possible reason for their sudden departure:
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 29, 2021
A Marsh Scene
A look at a big marsh scene that included a small flock of Roseate Spoonbills way off in the air, a closer raft of dabbling ducks and a single White Ibis in the foreground.
A little closer look at the White Ibis.
Usually White Ibis are in constant motion in the water, poking and prodding for food, but this one was just looking around.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 29, 2021
Santee Delta By Boat, Wood Ducks
Our guide on the Santee Delta trip was an excellent bird spotter, and saw this small flock of Wood Ducks coming in for a landing.
Taking pictures of a small moving bird from a small moving boat gives so-so results, but it was fun to see them.
The ducks, or at least one of them, seemed to think they’d better fly right back out.
And of course the rest followed along.
This section of the river was lined with grass and reeds, a perfect spot for Wood Ducks to hang out.
Santee River Trip with Coastal Expeditions
November 8, 2021
View my other Santee Delta trip posts
Wood Ducks, Male Showing Bold Plumage
It’s several months until the next mating season but this fellow is already sporting the classic Wood Duck plumage.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 12, 2021
Early Morning Wood Ducks
A group of Wood Ducks had the Alligator ramp to themselves on one recent morning.
Stretching and preening, I saw a few flashes of blue.
In lookout position, this one seemed ready to signal a retreat, one foot over the edge.
But they stayed spread out and stayed for a few photos.
August 31, 2021
Black-bellied Whistling Ducks In Flight
A few of the dozens of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks I saw earlier this week treated me to some fly-bys.
Most interesting was seeing the white wing stripe as they flapped by me.
August 29. 2021
Peak-a-boo: Black-bellied Whistling-Duck
This was one of those “stop the car, back up” moments as we drove into a wildlife management area and Ted spotted an odd movement.
About then Ted spotted a second duck in the tree above that was quick to fly up onto a nearby stump and show off his pink feet.
These Black-bellied Whittling Ducks are quite striking with that white wing stripe setting off the brown and black of the body.
This one spent quite a few minutes poking at the top of the stump. I’m not sure what he was doing, they are mostly vegetarians but will eat insects so he may have been looking for a snack.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
August 29, 2021