Tag Archives: Birds in Flight

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.

Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfisher

This one landed in the Spoonie Tree, too far for a good photo of such a small bird, but a picturesque scene.

Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfisher In The Spoonie Tree

A little while later one that was clearly on a mission passed me as I walked along a dike.

Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfisher

And then he landed in another artful looking dead tree, creating an unmistakable silhouette.

Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfisher

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 2, 2023

Great Blue Heron

The early morning sun made an interesting pattern across the sides of this walkway as a Great Blue Heron flew up.

Great Blue Heron Flying By Walkway
Great Blue Heron Flying By Walkway

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.

Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron

Ashley River Park, Summerville, SC
August 1, 2023

Anhinga Takeoff

With their long tail Anhinga are more suited to branch or dock sitting, I don’t often see one standing on the ground.

Anhinga Standing
Anhinga Standing

I wasn’t going to see this one for long, either.

Ready…

Anhinga Ready For Takeoff
Anhinga Ready For Takeoff

Set…

Anhinga Ready For Takeoff
Anhinga Ready For Takeoff

Liftoff!

Anhinga Liftoff
Anhinga Airborne

Feet tucked in…

Anhinga Flying Away
Anhinga Flying Away

And away she went…

Anhinga Flying Away
Anhinga Flying Away

Ashley River Park, Summerville, SC
August 1, 2023

From The Frying Pan…

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.

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Great Egret Leaping From Tree

No worries, just drop down to the next level…

Great Egret Leaping From Tree
Great Egret Leaping From Tree

Here’s a spot…

Great Egret Breaks On
Great Egret Breaks On

He wasn’t welcome here, either, as the Great Blue Heron was facing off with a pair of Great Egrets to the right.

Great Egret Into Kerfuffle
Great Egret Into Kerfuffle

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 16, 2023

Snowy Egret Getting Lunch

The movement in the water is little fish jumping ahead of the approaching Snowy Egret.

Snow Egret Hunting On The Fly
Snow Egret Hunting On The Fly

The fish may think they are escaping…

Snow Egret Hunting On The Fly
Snow Egret Hunting On The Fly

…but it seems to help the egret snag his snack…

Snow Egret Hunting On The Fly
Snow Egret Hunting On The Fly

…which he eats on the fly while circling around for another pass.

Snow Egret Hunting On The Fly
Snow Egret Hunting On The Fly

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
April 2, 2023