A small flock of Black-necked Stilts were feeding in a shallow pool left when the water was drained from the big pond. Several of them appeared to be juveniles, both by their squawky constant communication and mottled brown feathers.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
Black-necked Stilts are a snazzy looking bird, with a delicate shape and elegant color scheme.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
April 2, 2023
This scene greeted me when I arrived at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area last week.
It was hard to know where to look first.
The Roseate Spoonbills raising their beaks like this is often a precursor to flight, like a secret signal.
Sure enough, the crowd thinned.
These few stayed a bit longer, performing various stretches then the one on the left gave the signal.
