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
The early morning sun made an interesting pattern across the sides of this walkway as a Great Blue Heron flew up.
This pond is part of the new Dorchester County Ashley River Park and I suspect this GBH has taken the pond on as his own. He was very comfortable with human passerby and I saw him fly back and forth several times.
Ashley River Park, Summerville, SC
August 1, 2023
With their long tail Anhinga are more suited to branch or dock sitting, I don’t often see one standing on the ground.
I wasn’t going to see this one for long, either.
Ready…
Set…
Liftoff!
Feet tucked in…
And away she went…
Ashley River Park, Summerville, SC
August 1, 2023
Trees on the back side of the pond this Great Blue Heron was flying over made a variety of reflections in the water.
Ashley River Park, Summerville, SC
August 1, 2023
A Great Blue Heron flew by me on a rather blue morning.
I missed the full reflection, but just love the full stretched heron.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 25, 2023
These images were taken on a dull, grey morning, not the best light for far off action photos. But it was interesting, especially the Great Blue Heron’s behavior as I thought they were done nesting. He was defending his spot as if their were eggs or small chicks there.
This Great Egret tried landing at the top of this tree, but was quickly got the vibe that he should move on from the other occupants.
No worries, just drop down to the next level…
Here’s a spot…
He wasn’t welcome here, either, as the Great Blue Heron was facing off with a pair of Great Egrets to the right.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 16, 2023
The salt water inlets around Charleston are filled with green marsh grasses for the summer.
If I hadn’t seen this Green Heron fly in I don’t think I would have spotted him in the grass that stood way over his head.
Shem Creek Marsh, Mount Pleasant, SC
June 22, 2023
This American Oystercatcher trio was circling around looking to land. The racket they were making made it easier for me to follow them.
Charleston Harbor, SC
June 23, 2023
The movement in the water is little fish jumping ahead of the approaching Snowy Egret.
The fish may think they are escaping…
…but it seems to help the egret snag his snack…
…which he eats on the fly while circling around for another pass.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
April 2, 2023
