Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC
October 19, 2025
Canon 18-200mm lens, replacement, used–first time out. Taken at 200mm.
Belted Kingfisher, Contemplating
Tag Archives: Belted Kingfisher
Spoonie Tree and Alligators
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.
On this hot July day the alligators were out in force, mostly just floating around mid-day when we stopped by.
There was a Belted Kingfisher perched atop the tree, while all the wading birds stayed to the back of the pond as seen above.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
July 21, 2024
Belted Kingfisher On Water Control Trunks
Belted Kingfishers regularly perch on the water control trunks along the dike between their hunting runs. This one is facing the pond, watching the water for movement.
There was a little morning fog hanging over the pond adding to the scene.
This time she landed facing the marsh where the inlets provide another hunting ground.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 4, 2023
Empty Spoonie Tree and Belted Kingfisher
We didn’t see much for birds on Saturday at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area. The Spoonie Tree, so named because Roseate Spoonbills like to perch in it when they are around, had no birds when we arrived.
The elusive Kingfisher was in her usual spot on the water control trunk.
However, she relocated to the Spoonie Tree when she noticed us.
A wider view of the Spoonie Tree’s spot in the marsh.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 21, 2023
Belted Kingfisher on Water Control Trunk, October Version
The big pond at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area is popular with the Belted Kingfishers. In addition to having both a tidal marsh and a large pond to fish, there are a variety of spots the birds can perch to scope out the action.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 8, 2023
Belted Kingfisher On The Move
You often hear a Belted Kingfisher before you see it, with a distinctive chatter as they swoop over ponds or marshes looking for a fish lunch.
This one landed in the Spoonie Tree, too far for a good photo of such a small bird, but a picturesque scene.
A little while later one that was clearly on a mission passed me as I walked along a dike.
And then he landed in another artful looking dead tree, creating an unmistakable silhouette.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 2, 2023
Belted Kingfisher on Water Control Trunk
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 19, 2023
Kingfisher On the Spoonie Tree
There are almost always a Belted Kingfisher or two swooping around the ponds at Donnelley WMA. This morning I thought I was going to get a real close up of one on a rice field trunk. Ha!
Before I could even get my camera to eye level she was gone.
I did track her across the pond.
Where she landed on the Spoonie Tree…way to far for a good shot, but she did stop moving!
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 29, 2022
Belted Kingfisher Flying By
I photographed a few passes of this Belted Kingfisher including this set as he swooped along a marsh inlet.
She had sounded the characteristic Kingfisher chatter just before taking flight or I probably would have missed her.
She is identifiable as a female by the brown stripe on her chest that males lack.
Botany Bay Wildlife Area, Edisto, SC
December 3, 2022
Belted Kingfisher, Palm Tree Reflection
Botany Bay Wildlife Area, Edisto, SC
December 3, 2022