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
Blue-winged Teal were among the ducks sheltering in the old rice field ponds on Cat Island.
A number of patrolling Bald Eagles sent groups of ducks into the air over the hour or so we were in the area.
Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, SC
November 22, 2022
We spent the night at an ocean front hotel on Pawleys Island to be closer to the starting point of our Tuesday adventure at Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center. While enjoying coffee on the balcony and hoping for sunrise images a Snow Goose flew by. Surprise!
Later that morning at Tom Yawkey a flock of at least eight Snow Geese flew by.
The flock formed a V and disappeared.
Human access to the barrier islands that make up the Tom Yawkey property is limited, making it an excellent stopover and wintering ground for many migratory birds.
November 22, 2022
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 4, 2022
A few squawks from this Tricolored Heron alerted me to the impending fly-by.
When he got closer he was quiet, and passed on by in perfect form.
The late afternoon sun lit him up, while the trees behind had gone into shadow.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 12, 2022
I expected this Great Egret to fly as soon as I saw him nestled in the marsh grass, thinking I had startled him.
I watched, and waited, and waited. Then I looked away for a few seconds …
…and sure enough, lift off was happening, and away he went.
Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 14, 2022
This Wood Stork wasn’t going very far so he stayed low giving me a nice view and an almost perfect reflection.
The sunlight was perfect to highlight the iridescent greens on his wing tips.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 24, 2022
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 16, 2022
In another scene from dull Friday morning, a Great Blue Heron routed a Great Egret out of his spot.
A Snowy Egret watched, unmoved.
While the Great Blue Heron executed a perfect landing.
The Great Egret let out a few squawks and went on his way.
The big pond, Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 4, 2022
