Tag Archives: Fall

Killdeer

November 7, 2016 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

I heard a Killdeer in the distance so had that species on my mind, but the behavior of this particular bird didn’t match my previous experience with them.

I’ve seen them run, starting and stopping with almost frantic jerks or take short flights while working an area. This fellow was more casual, just poking along. Camouflage was working for him; if I hadn’t seen him move I wouldn’t have known he was there.

Despite the behavior the neck and eye bands point to Killdeer according to Peterson’s Eastern Birds and Cornell’s All About Birds.

Magnolia Plantation, edge of rice field marsh 11/06/2016.

Click any photo for larger view.

Birds, South Carolina

Great Blue Heron – A Portrait Session

November 6, 2016 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

Not classic Heron poses, and leaning toward the comical, this Great Blue kept me entertained for quite awhile on a recent afternoon. These shots reminded me of some people I know that are reluctant to have their picture taken.

First we take care of the itch.

Then a few vocal protests.

What’s a photo shoot without a photo bomb?

Finally, settled for the pose, neck tucked back down looking like a scarf in the breeze, a very elegant result.

Interesting that the black patches are much more pronounced in the Great Blue Herons around Magnolia Plantation the last few weeks.

Birds, South Carolina

Now What Do I Do?

November 5, 2016 Ellen Jennings 4 Comments

A Little Blue Heron caught a frog almost as big as his head then didn’t seem to know what to do.

He just stood there for quite awhile–the frog wasn’t moving so I don’t think preventing escape was on the bird’s mind.

A rinse in the canal might help:

Drip dry:

Finally, down the hatch:

Birds, South Carolina

Cooper’s Hawk

October 28, 2016 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

On the ferry ride to Bulls Island we were told that the eleven of us on the boat would be the only humans on the island, at least until they returned with a second group at noon. The public dock was damaged by Hurricane Matthew and the private service dock wasn’t open to other users.

It was very quiet as I watched this Cooper’s Hawk for several minutes after two of my companions walked right underneath him not glancing up.

He looked right at me as I became aware of noise, sounding like a crowd of people approaching. How could that be? The Hawk remained unfazed as 50 or 60 teenagers and a few chaperones came charging along the path, some quieting and interested in having a look when I pointed him out and some just intent on getting to the beach. I never did find out how they got to the island.

The Hawk moved about 10 feet to an adjacent tree and watched as the group turned the corner and disappeared. I had to move on as the mosquito crowd grew.

Bulls Island, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Awendaw, SC.

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Birds, South Carolina

Island Warbler

October 27, 2016 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

This Warbler was at the edge of the beach on Bulls Island, nicely camouflaged by his surroundings when he stayed in the undergrowth.

With a steady wind coming in from the Atlantic Ocean he limited his time on higher perches.

North America has more than 50 Warbler species, many that are quite distinct and easy to ID. This one seems to fit a few options to me, perhaps a Palm Warbler.

Bulls Island, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Awendaw, SC.

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Birds, South Carolina

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, 2

October 25, 2016 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

Tucked under a pine branch this Yellow-bellied Sapsucker industriously worked for his lunch.

Occasionally he pulled back to have a look around but went right back to the same spot where the sap must have been tasty.

Birds, South Carolina

I Spy … an Eye

October 24, 2016 Ellen Jennings 10 Comments

Egrets and herons are all very agile, twisting this way and that, not minding if their head is upside right or down, as they go about their daily business.

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Birds, South Carolina

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

October 22, 2016 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

The Yellow-billed Cuckoo normally forages at tree top level for caterpillars but this small group of 4 or 5 birds was flitting along the ground and low branches at the edge of a swamp near the Waccamaw River. When not eating they stayed perfectly still for 30 or more seconds, patiently watching.

This area was recently roughed up by Hurricane Matthew and water is still high, possibly affecting both the birds’ and the bugs’ routines.

Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC.

Birds, South Carolina

Bird Convention

October 5, 2016 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

With no apparent connection to dry land this old wall or walkway out in a marshy inlet of the Cooper River makes a perfect spot for a bird gathering.

This marsh borders Charleston’s Magnolia Cemetery, some of which has sunk into the marsh. It’s hard to tell if it may have been a part of the cemetery property.

I followed a berm to get a closer shot but was driven to retreat by a viscous horde of mosquitoes.

(Click any photo to enlarge.)

Flowers, South Carolina, Wildlife

Anole Smelling The Flowers

September 26, 2016 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

A common Anole hanging out with the flowers on this early fall day. He twisted up and down stopping in yoga-like poses.

The flowers remind me of a wild aster, but different than those in New England. The bank of the canals running through the old rice fields at Caw Caw County Park are lined with them.

Click any photo to enlarge.