This American Oystercatcher had been standing in the surf. He got a running start then smoothly took off with one full beat of his wings.
It was just after dawn and he was flying directly into the sun, which I think must not affect birds’ eyes the way it does mine.
The incoming tide created a nice series of waves behind the bird.
He let out a squawk for good measure before he disappeared down the beach.
Low over the incoming surf a pair of American Oystercatchers flew down the beach.
Botany Bay Island, SC, August 4, 2019
A Brown Pelican lowered his feet, opened his wings wide, and slid into the water — it still amazes me no mater how many times I’ve seen it.
This wasn’t a full flight, just a short hop across shallow water that was draining as the tide went out.
Maybe that’s why this young Great Blue Heron didn’t bother with much lift and then dragged his toes on his landing.
This Great Egret worked hard in the reeds to capture a Siren, a weird eel-like salamander that hangs out in the mud, and flew to a secluded corner of the pond to figure out how to eat it. He dropped and retrieved it several times.
A Great Blue Heron had been following along, slowly getting closer until the Great Egret decided to relocate, taking lunch with him.
Covered with mud, the Great Egret took this opportunity to dunk and rinse his catch.
He took off again as the Great Blue maneuvered closer.
The Great Blue Heron took off, too. They went out of my sight so I don’t know who got to eat.
Just after the sun came up on Sunday I heard these two coming and fortunately for me they were flying towards the sun.
They flew out over the ocean, past part of the dead tree “boneyard” before touching down in the surf.
Click on any image for a larger view.
I saw a few Green Herons fly into a tree just off the canal where I was walking and I guess they saw me, too.
It was early and there wasn’t much light, but the classic Green Heron head crest was clearly outlined.
Black Skimmers sometimes do a U-turn over the water and skim back the way the came. Other times they lift up and go back where they started or pick a new place to feed.
It seems reasonable that wind direction and food availability figure in their decisions.
Whatever the cause they are as beautiful in full flight as they are when they are skimming.
There were a couple dozen Tricolored Herons dotting the sides of the canal that opened into a small pond. Some of them relocated as I approached.
Patient hunters, the Tricolored Herons will stare at the water a long time. This one had just stabbed the water for a fish creating a ripple.
As I walked further down the dike this one flew right over me, checking me out as he went.
Just as I was leaving the pond one day last week a Little Blue Heron flew into the corner.
Of course I stopped to take his picture as he glided in.
He effortlessly dropped down into the tall grass so I didn’t get the full landing.
