Another outstanding Hibiscus, with delicate pinks leading into a burst of magenta.
The side view hides the boldness of the middle.
Pink Hibiscus
Vireo Nest, Empty
I’ve checked back on the White-eyed Vireo nest from my June 15th post a few times, and about a week later got a similar image, without the rain.
Two weeks later, the nest was empty. Could chicks have hatched and fledged in that short time? All About Birds says their nestling period is 9 – 11 days, so yes it is possible.
Once I was sure there were no birds in the nest I got closer for a side view. Although a bit shabby looking at the bottom, what an engineering marvel this nest was.
Also from All About Birds:
Males and females build a pendulous nest suspended from a Y-shaped fork. They collect insect silk and spiderweb and attach it to the fork until it makes a lacy shell. They then stick leaves, bark, plant fibers, rootlets, and bits of paper to the spiderweb shell. They also stick lichens, moss, or leaves to the outside for additional camouflage. The female lines the nest with rootlets, fine grass, or hair. It takes the pair around 3–5 days to complete the nest.
Long White Bridge, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
I’ve taken hundreds of pictures of the Long White Bridge at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens over the last five years. Even when there isn’t anything extra going on, like blooming azaleas, a Great Blue Heron hunting, or a perfect reflection–it just calls out to be photographed. I took this image the last time I was there, July 3rd.
On Tuesday this week a large tree on the left end of the bridge came down on the bridge. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but there was extensive damage to the structure. The bridge dates to the 1840s and plans are underway to rebuild promptly and exactly as it was.
My other photos of the Long White Bridge
Barred Owl With Lizard for Lunch
This Barred Owl sat quietly with his catch, a Five-lined Skink, a common lizard in South Carolina.
After squeezing it with his beak for a bit he transferred it to his talon. You can see the tail dangling below the branch in this next image.
I didn’t see any sign of life in the lizard, but the owl kept a firm hold for six or seven minutes before flying off with it.
Eastern Pondhawk on Diagonal
I took these two images on different days, but not from each other in June of 2019.
Both dragonflies lined up with the leaf to land, but the second one seems more at rest, with his whole body settled.
Great Egret Ripley Water
Wading along, this Great Egret passed through some different looks to the water. A little breeze was making it ripple and in the first image the light was reflecting off the water onto the bird.
As he moved further along, there was less reflection from the reeds on the opposite bank of the pond and the sky made the water seem bluer. Around water a lot can change in just a few feet.
Great Blue Heron in Flight
I’m revisiting some images I took last fall using Topaz Sharpen AI. I might have overdone it just a bit, especially around the Great Blue Heron’s head.
I like the second image a little better with the shadow of the right wing falling on the left wing.
Water Lily and Greenery
There was a nice reflection of the water lily and the surrounding foliage, if a bit far out into the pond.
Fourth of July
July 4th – the anniversary of the publication of the declaration of independence from Great Britain in 1776
A Small Drama, Alligator
I had been watching this Alligator as he floated in the water with his full back sticking up. Usually just see the head is out of the water unless they are actively using their tail to swim. He was staying in place.
I suspected he might be profiling, basically showing off, to either impress a female or warn off other males. And wham, he smacked the water with his head.
Expecting more, I waited, but that was it. There are dozens of large Alligators in this immediate area and evidently they were not impressed.
