Tag Archives: Alligator

Wading Birds

Wood Storks Abound

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The water in the big pond at Donnelley WMA was still low when we returned on July 28 and the light was perfect for some reflection images.

Juvenile Wood Stork Feeding
Juvenile Wood Stork Feeding

These wading birds were in constant motion as the fed in the shallow water, the Wood Storks by feeling in the water with their beaks. The Tricolor Herons and Snowy Egrets watched the water patiently, waiting to strike with their bills.

Flock of Wood Storks Feeding
Flock of Wood Storks Feeding

Occasionally another bird would join the crowd.

Wood Storks Flying In
Wood Stork Flying In

This one made more of a flying hop.

Wood Stork Flying In
Wood Stork Flying In

The birds already feeding pay no attention to new comers.

Wood Storks Flying In
Wood Storks Landing in a Group

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
July 28, 2024

Landscape, Reptiles

Spoonie Tree and Alligators

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The “Spoonie Tree” continues to decline, and in July the water was lowered in the pond exposing its roots. For several years I have thought that this will be the year that this tree finally topples, but there it stands. The first picture I can find that I took of the tree, from October 2017, the tree was far from healthy, but still living.

Spoonie Tree
Spoonie Tree and Alligators

On this hot July day the alligators were out in force, mostly just floating around mid-day when we stopped by.

Alligators in Pond
Alligators in Pond

There was a Belted Kingfisher perched atop the tree, while all the wading birds stayed to the back of the pond as seen above.

Belted Kingfisher atop Spoonie Tree
Belted Kingfisher atop Spoonie Tree

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
July 21, 2024

Wading Birds

Two Tricolored Herons and an Alligator

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The water was lowered last week in the big pond at Donnelley WMA. Many wading birds including these Tricolored Herons have gathered around. They and the local alligators are taking advantage of the abundant food supply concentrated in a smaller volume of water.

Two Tricolored Herons and an Alligator
Two Tricolored Herons and an Alligator
Two Tricolored Herons and an Alligator
Two Tricolored Herons and an Alligator
Two Tricolored Herons and an Alligator
Tricolored Herons and  Alligators

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
July 26, 2024

Reptiles

Alligator With Crab

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and just a little mud! This pond had recently been drained but retained enough water to be a mud bath.

Alligator With Crab
Alligator With Crab

Alligators don’t usually lay in such mud, preferring drier land or to be submerged. He walked / plodded deliberatly to this spot…

Alligator With Crab
Alligator With Crab

..where he found a crab and which he worked out of the mud.

Alligator With Crab
Alligator With Crab

Then he immediately made his way back the way he came.

Alligator With Crab
Alligator With Crab

A nearby Tri-colored Heron decided to move a bit further away.

Alligator With Crab
Alligator With Crab

The Alligator slid into a pool of water and stayed submerged for the several minutes I stayed there watching.

Alligator With Crab
Alligator With Crab

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 17, 2024