It was a foggy start on December 30th at Donnelley WMA.
After the fog lifted a few Cormorants were still sitting in the Spoonie Tree and an Alligator was swimming by in the opposite direction. A Black-crowned Night-heron stayed tucked into the grass on the hummock.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 30, 2024
Double Crested Cormorants were all around on this foggy morning.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 30, 2024
I missed the moment when this Double Crested Cormorant started his flight, breaking free of the pond surface.
The sequence I did get took place in less than a second.
My shutter speed was only 1000 due to the dull light, and I really wasn’t expecting him to take off as I’d been watching him feed.
Another up beat…
…and touch of the water. Yes, I clipped the bird but the water splashes fascinate me.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 11, 2024
And check out those feet!
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 15, 2024
Yes, the Spoonie Tree is still upright!
And on this morning the reflections were mirror-perfect.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 15, 2024
This Double-crested Cormorant took a long time showing off his catch, more than the usual maneuvers for easiest swallowing.
He did show off his flipping skills.
And catching.
After a few minutes I walked away and he was still paddling around with the fish.
Huntington Beach State Park, SC
November 9, 2021
A Double-crested Cormorant skipped across the water as he took off.
It takes a lot of flapping and a few foot splashes …
and he’s off!
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 27, 2021
Double-crested Cormorants were calmly sunning on the Spoonie Tree when a Great Egret dropped in.
Then a Black-crowned Night-heron joined the gathering.
It was close to a crash landing, but the Night-heron made it, perhaps to the surprise of the Cormorant.
Then the Night-heron lost points for not sticking the landing. Not that anyone is keeping score.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 27, 2021
These pilings are what are left of a dock on the Ashley River at Middleton Place. The tide was going out and a crew of Double-crested Cormorants were using them as perches.
This one seemed to be investigating a crack in the wood.
I looked away and he either jumped or fell into the water.
I thought he might be going fishing but he flew right back out of the water.
There was room for a couple more birds to join them.
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
April 17, 2021
This scene reminded me of a museum diorama, almost made up with the variety of occupants.
