This branch is part of a dead tree that has fallen over the edge of a pond. Various birds find it a great place to survey the area, including this female Red-winged Blackbird.
In wondered if it was a juvenile as she was having trouble keeping her balance.
And fluffed up a bit like a young bird does.
Then she announced to the world she had a grip and immediately flew off.
The Barred Owl owlet has learned to fly from tree to tree, but staying balanced and using his wings once he lands is going to take some practice.
Mom was in the next tree watching as he wobbled a bit, then used both wings for balance.
Notice how big his feet and talons are!
5/21/2019, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
The combination of the sun light and the distance from the perches to the background shows off this dragonfly’s striped wings quite nicely.
I don’t remember seeing this type of dragonfly before; but recognize the “return to the same spot” behavior I’ve seen in others.
He left and re-lit on this grain stalk multiple times while I watched.
5/19/2019 Mepkin Abbey
It’s nice to have a breeze around the pond but sometimes it blows low hanging branches into your shot. I still liked the pose and colors of this Little Blue Heron.
I was able to move a few steps for a different angle, however the bird was on the move.
He paused for a quick look around.
See ya later!
This stand of Bamboo is drooping over a small pond making a perch for a Barred Owl to watch the water for food. After much waiting he dropped down and snatched a crayfish, action I did not capture.
When there is a little breeze these hollow Bamboo stalks make pleasing percussion sounds, and occasionally cause a concentrating photographer jump.
Twisted twigs from an old vine and a small drape of Spanish Moss made a fanciful scene for a passing Carolina Anole. He showed off his red dewlap as he marched up the branch.
The Barred Owls I have observed spend a lot of time watching before they strike their prey.
When the time is right, the dive is very precise, and fast.
And sometimes after all that the prize is pond detritus. I didn’t see if he dropped this clump of leaves in flight or after he landed, but pretty soon he tried again.
IÂ frequently see Cattle Egrets in my local travels at some small farms with cattle, horses and goats. This is the first time I’ve seen one up close at any of the swamp / marsh areas in South Carolina.
Slightly smaller than a Little Blue Heron, I wasn’t surprised when he disappeared from my sight in the tall vegetation. After poking around a bit he stuck his head up for a look.
He moved to some shorter vegetation along the edge of the pond and I was able to get to a better angle.
Finally he stood fully upright showing off his golden head, neck and chest feathers.
I know, it is still a snake. I’ve never been a fan, but am becoming more accustomed to them. I spotted this one at Beidler Forest working his way along a rotting log.
I don’t study the educational signs with the ID info about snakes, but do know that the round eyes and round head are signs this one is harmless.
The snake slowly checked out the crevices in the log and showed no interest in me watching him
Plus, I was on a boardwalk at least ten feet away.
This Raccoon didn’t run when he saw me, but didn’t waste any time reversing direction either. I only got the one image before he disappeared.
