The tree canopy is pretty dense in the area where the Barred Owls I’ve been watching hang out. There are a few perching spots that are nicely lit in the late afternoon.
This Owl chose such a branch, showing off his powerful feet.
Barred Owl
Wood Stork Patrolling His Domain
This is the first time I’ve seen a Wood Stork at this pond in the three years I’ve been visiting.
He’s standing on an Alligator ramp that is completely out of the water due to the pond being drained for repairs.
A number of wading birds were taking advantage of the low water, standing around where just the week before the water would have been up to the tops of their necks.
The Wood Stork was more interested in the platform itself.
The last image was taken a few days earlier when there was still a foot or so (30 centimeters) of water in the pond.
Great Blue Herons Whispering Sweet Nothings
Hey, we live here.
Black-crowned Night-Heron
A Black-crowned Night-Heron struck a classic pose and held it for a very long time. This tree fell into the pond giving him a great undercover spot to watch the water.
Rosette Spoonbill, Treetop Primping
I love to watch any of the wading birds perform their preening ritual, showing off the flexibility of their necks. Add the pink and it gets even better!
Water Lily
Nature at her finest.
Pond of Water Lilies
When I first saw these flashes of white from the road I thought they were birds. It was a nice treat to find water lilies, even though I couldn’t get very close.
There was a small grouping of lilies closer to the dike that runs along the side of the pond.
A stiff breeze was flapping the lily pads out of the water in an open area where a single Cormorant was fishing.
Scram, Great Egret
Incoming!
Which did not go unnoticed by the Great Blue Heron sitting on his nest.
And was’t going to be tolerated, either.
March 22, 2019.
The Long White Bridge, 2019
Photographing this iconic spot at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens with Azaleas in bloom is all about timing. The flower blooms, the light, the stillness of the water, the absence of people on the bridge– all things we have no control over. It’s a lovely spot and I tend to take a few captures whenever I pass by, even if the flowers aren’t in bloom.
Taken 3/22/2019
The Skinny Tree: A Different Angle
Trees around the pond are leafing out and the green is a welcome sight after the grey and brown of winter.
