A Yellow-rumped Warbler found a bonanza of dried berries not far from where the Downy Woodpecker Upside Down Feeding had feasted. The warbler stayed upright, but did some serious stretching to get the choicest mosels. A mix of foliage provided a festive fall background.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 16, 2023
A pair of American White Pelicans were taking the scenic route down the side of the big pond.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 26, 2022
Here’s another view of the bold Gulf Fritillary I featured yesterday.
In contrast, this one was tattered and faded.
That’s quite a chunk missing out of his forewing, and the hind wings have some damage, too. But he could still fly.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 26, 2022
As the morning warmed up I could smell the honeysuckle as I walked along the dike and pretty soon several butterflies appeared.
This Gulf Fritillary was a very bold orange, and in pristine shape like he had just hatched.
Several Skippers were intent on feeding from the underside of the leaves, this one popped out for just a moment.
This last butterfly looks like a Sulpher Butterfly, but was much smaller, about this size of a dime (Diameter 0.750 in. ~ 19.05 mm) . Research turns up it is likely a Little Yellow.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 26, 2022
Continued from American White Pelicans in Flight
Some of the American White Pelicans flew closer to me as the others circled around.
Both Sexes (From All About Birds)
Length: 50.0-65.0 in (127-165 cm)
Weight: 158.7-317.5 oz (4500-9000 g) — that’s 10 to 15 pounds!!
Wingspan: 96.1-114.2 in (244-290 cm)
Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, SC
Visitation is by guided tour only, managed by SC Department of Natural Resources
November 22, 2022
A large number of American White Pelicans were feeding in the old rice field ponds at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center on Tuesday. They took off in small groups, circled around and resettled a bit further away from us.
Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, SC
Visitation is by guided tour only, managed by SC Department of Natural Resources
November 22, 2022
Blue-winged Teal were among the ducks sheltering in the old rice field ponds on Cat Island.
A number of patrolling Bald Eagles sent groups of ducks into the air over the hour or so we were in the area.
Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, SC
November 22, 2022
We spent the night at an ocean front hotel on Pawleys Island to be closer to the starting point of our Tuesday adventure at Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center. While enjoying coffee on the balcony and hoping for sunrise images a Snow Goose flew by. Surprise!
Later that morning at Tom Yawkey a flock of at least eight Snow Geese flew by.
The flock formed a V and disappeared.
Human access to the barrier islands that make up the Tom Yawkey property is limited, making it an excellent stopover and wintering ground for many migratory birds.
November 22, 2022
Daddy Long Legs spiders were climbing all over this small clump of spotted beebalm.
The dappled sun was warming after a cool start and prey possibilities including smaller insects may have become active, too.
I have no idea what this one is doing; I wondered if it was laying eggs but all information I’ve found says they lay their eggs in dirt.
Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 14, 2022
Monarda punctata
Spotted Beebalm, Spotted Horsemint, Horsemint
A few Monarchs were interspersed with the Gulf Fritillaries on the Wildflowers.
The Monarchs were more skittish and didn’t stay out in the open for long.
Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 14, 2022
