The season is changing, looking more like autumn each day.
This was at the end of October when the changing hues of the grasses made a nice backdrop.
The water level in the pond was quite high. We’ve heard there is a plan to lower it sometime this month which will attract more birds with easier feeding opportunities.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 30, 2024
The late afternoon sun was highlighting an artful pile of pumpkins and gourds at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. A number of dragonflies were pleased to use the veggies as perches.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 12, 2024
The late afternoon sun lit up a few grass plumes mixed in a stand of trees.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 15, 2024
Shades of yellow, looking like fall has arrived.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 15, 2024
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
