White Ibis working on his nest, flying over pond covered with duck weed.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
May 14, 2026
White Ibis Fly-by with Nest Materials
Tag Archives: Bird in Flight
Great Blue Heron Take Off
I watched this Great Blue Heron just standing around in the swamp, stock still as herons often are when they hunt.
Then a few stealthy steps through the duckweed followed by a big wing flap!
One good downstroke and he was off with a clean exit from the water.
His legs got into the action, almost like running on water.
Then he glided to a landing just out of my view, where presumably the hunting would better.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 4, 2026
Black Skimmer, Showing Off
We saw very few Black Skimmers on our recent trip to Florida, and this was the only one I caught in flight.
The Glossy Ibis and Grebes paid him no attention as he performed the classic beak dip as he hunted.
He passed on by and they never even looked up.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island, FL
February 25, 2026
Great Blue, Where Will He Fly?
When this Great Blue Heron took off from the pond corner I was hoping he would provide me a reflection opportunity in front of a gorgeous cypress tree. Alas, that was not the path he took.
Old Santee Canal Park, Moncks Corner, SC
December 4, 2025
Wading Birds Follow The Leader
Wading birds often follow each other, presuming that the leader has spotted some food.
A Snowy Egret that landing in the grass near the bank of the pond attracted a Great Egret.
That was then followed by another Snowy Egret…
…photo bombing the Great Egret. Or maybe vice-versa.
I didn’t see any of them get anything to eat.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 19, 2025
Great Blue Heron at Boat Pond
The repairs to the dike between the boat pond and the Ashley River at Magnolia Plantation have been completed. The water level is back up and some wading birds have started to feed at the edges. I was busy watching a Snowy Egret when this Great Blue Heron landed near me.
Pretty soon he dropped down into the pond.
His one attempt at catching some lunch yielded nothing.
He didn’t stay long…maybe the grass was greener on the other bank.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 19, 2025
Cattle Egret at Rookery
There were a few Cattle Egret working nests in the interior of the rookery area. This was the only one I saw in full.
He had places to go…
…first a flying loop over the pond…
…and back in front of me…
…before landing in another tree.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
April 10, 2025
Roseate Spoonbill Flying By
A few Roseate Spoonbills were in the big pond at Donnelley on Friday. One by one they took off, headed to the back of the pond. This one gave me a good view as he flew on by.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
April 25, 2025
Mottled Duck Pair Landing, Part 3
The three Mottled Ducks splashed a bit then took off.
What I took to be the female flew off to the right, while the two males looked headed for a crash with the Spoonbill.
The Spoonbill ducked his head…
as the dueling pair came in for a landing, squabbling for a moment, before they went their separate ways.
Mottled Duck Pair Landing, Part 1
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Florida
February 10 2025
Mottled Duck Pair Landing, Part 1
I was watching this Roseate Spoonbill, hoping he’d come a bit closer, when a pair of Mottled Ducks dropped into the scene.
Not quite a crash landing, but not that graceful, either.
The Spoonbill and a Gallinule went about their business.
Compared to their size, these ducks make a pretty big splash.
The pair quickly settled and paddled across the pond.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge, Florida
February 10 2025