One of the Bluebirds from my previous post landed on a newer fence railing when he lost his turn on the old post.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 27, 2026
Bluebird On Fence Rail
White Ibis Relaxing on One Leg
Black Point Wildlife Drive ends on Titusville Road, a two lane road that traverses Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. We had ended our first pass around the Drive, a bit disappointed we hadn’t seen many birds then spotted wading birds in some trees just off the road.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island, FL
February 25, 2026
Silent Sunday: More Swamp Sunflowers
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 27, 2026
Bluebirds Not Sharing
This post with a decrepit looking bird box sits along the entrance to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. It was late afternoon, the sun was below the tree line, and two Bluebirds were taking turns possessing the post.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 27, 2026
Great Blue Heron, Golden Rod
A little breeze was making the golden rod dance changing the framing around the Great Blue Heron’s head…
and making his head feathers stand up.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 23, 2026
Red-eyed Vireo At Buffet
Red-eyed Vireos tend to stick to tree canopies and deep vegetation which probably accounts for why this is my first sighting.
A ready supply of food brought this one into my view.
Once he made his selection he didn’t waste any time swallowing.
Maybe the fruit wasn’t to his liking or maybe he’d already had his fill, as he didn’t stick around for more.
Bird: Red-eyed Vireo identified by Merlin Bird ID App
Plant: Firethorn identified by PlantNet App
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 11, 2026
Skipper Butterfly
The sun and location were perfect to highlight the iridescence of this Skipper Butterfly perched on a plant frond with its own joyful color scheme going on.
I think it is a Long-tailed Skipper based on the color and size.
A nearby patch of lantana attracted a few more skippers, including this one that paused for a few moments to feed.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 23, 2026
Bluebirds, Not In A Row
Three Bluebirds on a limb with no leaves, now if they would just space themselves out a little.
Sometimes you wait and wait for birds to get into a picturesque formation… and you get a gnarly branch minus the prettiest bird. Oh, and a another bird at the end of the limb that didn’t make the first shot.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 11, 2026
Silent Sunday: Swamp Sunflowers
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 11, 2026
Great Blue Heron On Alligator Ramp
This Great Blue Heron was standing in the road when I photographed the Wood Ducks In a Row. When he spotted me he flew to an alligator ramp in the pond.
Vegetation around the pond has the look of autumn, many plants have gone to seed, leaves are turning brown and falling over.
“Did you get my good side?”
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 11, 2026