A few Blue-winged Teal were cruising close to my position on a marsh dike.
I had hoped to inch a bit closer and a better angle.
The possible reason for their sudden departure:
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 29, 2021
A look at a big marsh scene that included a small flock of Roseate Spoonbills way off in the air, a closer raft of dabbling ducks and a single White Ibis in the foreground.
A little closer look at the White Ibis.
Usually White Ibis are in constant motion in the water, poking and prodding for food, but this one was just looking around.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 29, 2021
It’s several months until the next mating season but this fellow is already sporting the classic Wood Duck plumage.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 12, 2021
A group of Wood Ducks had the Alligator ramp to themselves on one recent morning.
Stretching and preening, I saw a few flashes of blue.
In lookout position, this one seemed ready to signal a retreat, one foot over the edge.
But they stayed spread out and stayed for a few photos.
August 31, 2021
A few of the dozens of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks I saw earlier this week treated me to some fly-bys.
Most interesting was seeing the white wing stripe as they flapped by me.
August 29. 2021
These ramps are installed in ponds for Alligators to lounge where the tourists can see them but not be too close. The birds like a dry spot, too.
August 23, 2021
This has been a summer for Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, with this sighting at the Magnolia Cemetery pond.
They are another bird that is expanding its range northward and I’ve only seen them in this area the last two or three years.
This pair alternated their time between sitting in the trees and sitting in the water on a very hot SC day.
Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC
August 2, 2021
A pair of young Wood Ducks graced a small clump of reeds in the middle of the pond.
I didn’t see the one closer to me until it started swimming away, showing just a flash of blue.
The Boat Pond, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 23, 2021
The same day I saw the Wood Duck Ducklings I spotted three larger groups of older ducks in a nearby pond.
I suspect they are mostly this year’s hatchlings from earlier broods.
The one group that was closer to shore when I passed was quick to head towards the others.
The Boat Pond, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 23, 2021
But, when I passed back by the ducklings were up near the shore. They quickly headed back out into the pond.
Which way?
They regrouped and stayed together for as long as I could spot them.
The mother didn’t show any concern.
For context, here is a pulled back view. Those ducklings are out there somewhere, tucked under the vegetation somewhere between mama and the juvenile Little Blue Heron.
