This is another series of a Black Skimmer fishing at the Magnolia Plantation boat pond on July 4th.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
Black Skimmer Fishing, Set 2
Tag Archives: Feeding
Black Skimmer Fishing
Repairs have restarted on the dike around the old rice field pond at Magnolia Plantation so the water level is low. This provides excellent feeding opportunities for a variety of birds, including Black Skimmers. I spent a couple of hours this morning being entertained.
The little fish scatter across the water as they try to avoid the hunter.
Got one!
Now the trick is to not drop it…
… and swallow it on the fly.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
Same images in a gallery for testing: click on any image below to start slide show.
Black Skimmer Fishing
Black Skimmer Fishing
Black Skimmer Fishing
Black Skimmer Fishing
Black Skimmer Fishing
White Ibis Hunting for Lunch
The pond at the bamboo garden is at the highest level I’ve seen it in a while, maybe years. Last week water was being actively pumped into the far corner.
The light made a lovely glow around this immature White Ibis as he probed the bottom.
Bamboo Garden Pond, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 4, 2026
Ruddy Turnstone Chasing Lunch
The receding tide trapped this small fish in the sand swales.
He didn’t stand much of a chance once the Ruddy Turnstone spotted him.
But he sure gave it his all, flopping across the water trying to escape.
After a couple of misses, the Turnstone had his lunch.
And then ran off with it as some other shore birds became aware of his catch.
Port Charles, VA
October 23, 2025
Feeding Chaos
This scene unfolded on the back side of Lodge Pond where a pool of water formed as the pond drained.
Wading birds follow the food, and they are not bothered by the presence of Alligators.
Although maybe the Snowy Egret center front should have been.
The Alligators were actually chewing on whatever they found in the water but I have seen them snap at and catch a bird.
All good for the Snowy, this time!
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 1, 2025
Roseate Spoonbill Leapfrog
Sometimes birds just make me laugh.
Usually it is the Snowy Egrets with comical behavior but this time a Roseate Spoonbill was feeding away from the bigger group and seemed to have something to say.
Then he took a short-hop flight over the Snowy Egret.
Landed with more drama…
…then took a walk.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 1, 2025
Spoonbills On The Move
Back and forth, following the food, and each other, a group of Roseate Spoonbills was feeding up against a hummock in Lodge Pond.
A few Wood Storks were at the edge of the group, sticking to the shadows.
Then, following a leader on some secret signal, all the Spoonbills walked onto the exposed grass…
…and crossed to the open water on the other side…
…paying no attention to the alligators.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 1, 2025
Wood Storks and Spoonbills, Oh My!
Some days there are no birds in view; some days are like this!
We were here August 21, the water was high, and we saw a total of six birds.
Yesterday (September 1) the water had been let out of Lodge Pond leaving these streams with a concentrated food source for wading birds that feel for their prey.
There were hundreds of Wood Storks, at least fifty Roseate Spoonbills, and a sprinkling of Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets taking advantage of the easy eating.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 1, 2025
Roseate Spoonbill Feeding
A Roseate Spoonbill worked his way along the pond while a Tricolored Heron hardly moved on a lovely day last autumn.
These smaller herons often hang around other wading birds, waiting for prey to be stirred up in the water.
Spoonbills eat very tiny crustaceans and who knows what that their bills sweep by in the water.
Occasionally they catch something that requires more of a toss to swallow it:
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 10, 2024
Boat-tailed Grackle Looking For A Snack
It’s not a stretch to think there were all sorts of treasures hidden in the vegetation on this rotting log floating just off the boardwalk at Orlando Wetlands.
The Boat-tailed Grackle pulled …
and yanked…
…and dragged whatever he could latch onto.
However, he didn’t appear to find anything good.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
February 11, 2025