I returned to the Iris patch where I spotted the mating damselflies with my new Canon 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM EF-Mount Lens.
A few Blue-tailed Damselflies used the broad leaves of the Iris plants as perches.
This fellow also used it as a lunch spot.
April 13, 2021
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
Canon 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM
After his bath the Snowy Egret sunk down into the water again and just sat there.
He made some ripples when he stood up, which created a disconnected head reflection.
I moved on, glancing back for one more look. The Egret was looking pretty spiffy.
This little patch of Purple Iris has been hosting a variety of insects, most notably the Mating Damselflies I’ve featured.
Seen from a bit further along the pond.
One of the reasons I’m reluctant to sit on the ground for long:
Middleton Place Heritage Stable Yard
April 9, 2021
I’ve made numerous trips to see the sheep at Middleton Place over the last couple weeks, looking forward to the arrival of some lambs. May 5th was the official day the barnyard workers were giving for the four pregnant sheep in their care to deliver.
Finally, on May 9th, I found three lambs: one had been born on May 7th, and a set of twins had been born that morning.
The three lambs were pretty active and getting them all in one shot wasn’t happening. Notice the extra curly textured coat on the lamb on the right.
The families have been given a pen of their own, where they’ll stay for a few weeks. The rest of the flock spends nights in the pen on the left and days free-roaming the property; the Cashmere Goats are to the right.
The little ones mostly followed their own mother, legs a bit wobbly.
They were also a bit curious about the humans watching them.
This scene reminded me of a museum diorama, almost made up with the variety of occupants.
I’ve developed a few more images from April 5, the amazing Damselfly dance.
I know tall images don’t always display well in Word Press, but I did like this with the iris in the background.
I did sit on the ground a couple of times, but concern about ants and alligators kept me from lingering with the low view.
Mating Damselflies, On Iris Part 1
I stopped by the Middleton Place stable yard just as the Cashmere Goats were having their dinner.
One of the pair was plopped in the middle of their manger, hogging the hay and taking advantage of a padded eating spot.
The standing goat went for a drink then shared his take on the situation.
Middleton Place Heritage Stable yard
April 5, 2021
I rarely see Wood Storks in the area of the heron and egret rookery at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens; if they are around they are more likely to be at the boat pond when the water is low and the feeding easier.
I was surprised to see this one standing at the edge of the pond, rather settled in.
For no apparent reason he took off. I did see a couple others much higher in the sky, perhaps he thought to join them.
One of them decided to circle back and attempt a tree-top landing at the other end of the pond.
He wobbled around a bit then flew off, towards the river.
Another purple Iris, this time with a dreamy green background.
