Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
April 11, 2022
Black- Black-bellied Whistling Duck
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
May 15, 2022
We had been alerted to the presence of these Black-bellied Whistling Ducks by another visitor to the Wildlife Management Area. Sure enough, they were still hanging out in the same spot.
I walked by them on the dike and they were unfazed.
Their feet are quite adaptable to stand on a variety of uneven surfaces.
These wooden boxes are installed to support breeding Wood Ducks, but the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks have been taking them over the last few years.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
May 15, 2022
A pair of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks flying by in the first morning light.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
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
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
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 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
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
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
