I was wandering Middleton Place with my Canon 100mm macro lens in search of Camellia blooms when this Red-shouldered Hawk flew past me at ground level.
He followed the path then perched on a garden bench, obviously aware I was there.
There were some squirrels rustling around in the dried leaves that I thought for sure were going to be lunch.
I edged a bit closer while he looked around.
Evidently squirrel wasn’t what he wanted and off he went.
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
December 19, 2024
I spotted a sleeping Barred Owl near the area where a pair has nested for the last several years. He/she was sleepy dozing, occasionally moving its head or stretching a wing as I circled around the pond beneath it. I hope we’ll be seeing the pair as they set up housekeeping and defend their territory for another breeding season.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 20, 2024
I spotted the Barred Owl owlet on a low hanging branch over the water. He was making that pitiful crying noise that I interpret as “momma, I’m hungry.” One of the parents was nearby, not seeming to pay much attention and finally junior flew down closer to the pond, landing on a cypress knee.
A few minutes later he flew a few more feet to the edge of the pond.
The light was very low under the trees so I couldn’t really tell what he was doing. He then flew up to a lovely perch closer to me.
Turns out he did have a crayfish that he’d found in the mud. He then spent at least ten minutes holding it, turning it…like he was wondering what to do with it.
The adult moved a couple of times while the owlet was working this out, getting further away and actually turned away once junior started to hunt.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 19, 2024
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 5, 2024
One of the Barred Owl pair was perched over the Bamboo Pond with a nice ray of sun reaching him through the canopy.
I didn’t see the spider web to the left at the time, but now wonder if he flew into it when he landed–ikk.
He was taking a break from hunting and spent a few minutes on personal grooming and stretching.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 24, 2024
There were two Bald Eagles perched about 500 feet (150 meters) from this branch so I was rather surprised to see a Osprey land.
I only noticed him because he had been calling as he circled around.
He didn’t stay long, made a steep drop…
then flew up the Ashley River.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 28, 2024
A pair of Bald Eagles was perched in one of their regular spots on Sunday, looking relaxed and basking in the early morning sun. There was no juvenile with them getting hunting lessons so I suspect that if they had a nest this winter/spring it was not successful.
The nest that I have photographed previous years is still intact, but has not been used by Eagles for at least three seasons.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 28, 2024
The pair of Barred Owls at Magnolia Plantation had one chick this year and I recently spotted him completely filling the nest entryway.
He was interested in looking out into the great wide world, but he didn’t seem quite ready to fledge.
One of the parents was napping within sight of the nest.
I moved on and found out later that the owlet chick did fledge that afternoon, and has since been spotted in a nearby pine tree.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 23, 2024
Becoming familiar with bird behaviors like take off and landing habits generally will result in better photographs.
This time the Barred Owl totally surprised me pivoting around his perch and dropping rather than making a launch to dive for prey.
Then he fully spread his wings, maybe changing routes…interesting to see the movement of his feathers.
The owl was successful, with what looks like a crayfish in his beak, not the usual method of nabbing prey with his claws.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 19, 2024
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 19, 2024
