Most of the bigger birds I’ve watched nesting gather sticks off the ground or take easily snapped dead limbs for their nesting materials.
Anhingas prefer live branches.
It may have something to do with their feet and ability to land in live trees.
This fellow wasn’t having much luck and dropped at least one branch in the water below.
He made an empty trip back to the nest but pretty quickly returned to try again.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 23, 2023
Squadrons of Brown Pelicans entertained me as I was waiting for the sun to set.
A few glided right over my head.
This fellow surprised me, coming in low from the other direction.
February 6, 2023
A female, or possibly immature male, Anhinga was perched atop a gnarly dead tree branch above my head.
She sat there for quite awhile, just looking around. We were back at St. Augustine this past week and many of these dead and dying trees have been cut down. They are being replaced, three huge palm trees were being installed while we were there.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, St. Augustine, FL
January 20, 2023
There was a drop-off in the sand from where this Ring-billed Gull was perched to the ocean.
He and a few pals were getting some end of day sun.
Typical of gulls, they were flapping around a bit while the waves were roiling around behind them.
I don’t remember if this is the same bird as the first picture, but it was nice he supplied me with another head profile shot.
St. Augustine Beach, FL
January 20, 2023
After sunrise didn’t make much of a show I walked the beach and this group of gulls was gathered at the tide line ahead of me.
Gulls At the BeachI suspected they would all fly as I wasn’t the only person on the beach, and some were jogging and others had dogs.
Skimmer With Gulls At the BeachThe gulls actually didn’t fly and the Black Skimmer made him self comfy in the crowd.
Skimmer With Gulls At the BeachI got one pretty good look at the Skimmer as he stepped away from the group working on their morning grooming. I glanced away for a second and when I turned back he was gone.
Skimmer At the BeachSt. Augustine Beach, FL
January 21, 2023
Staring at the ocean
St. Augustine Beach, FL
January 20, 2023
A lone Black Skimmer was fishing for his dinner at the end of the day.
Here you can clearly see the lower jaw extends much further than the upper…
…making it easier to snag prey from the water.
This is my favorite from this set, even though he got so close I cut his wings off.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
January 18, 2023
I thought I would be leaving Orlando Wetlands without seeing a Purple Gallinule, but finally spotted one out in the open, poking through the floating vegetation.
A half hour later another one, a bit closer, presented me with a reflection opportunity.
And then, wow–he was on the run showing off those massive feet and toes…
…and their ability to spring into the air.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
January 18, 2023
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 29, 2022
Just paddling on by…
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 29, 2022
