A couple more pre-sunrise images of a marsh at Bear Island. I could tell the color wasn’t going to be much so worked on getting the dewy grass in the foreground. While avoiding a giant ant hill.
Marsh Just Before Sunrise
The water was like glass, but there wasn’t much to reflect in it.
Marsh Just Before Sunrise
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 21, 2023
It was a cloudless morning so the sunrise wasn’t spectacular. Other than that the not to be taken for granted fact that sun rose another day. There was a nice orange glow for a few minutes.
An Alligator was out moving around early.
Alligator In Pre-sunrise Glow
A Great Blue Heron announced his presence.
Great Blue Heron at Sun Up
The same GBH passed a pair of Tricolored Herons going the other way.
Herons Up Early
Just before the sun topped the tree line the orange intensified.
Here Comes The Sun
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 21, 2023
We didn’t see much for birds on Saturday at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area. The Spoonie Tree, so named because Roseate Spoonbills like to perch in it when they are around, had no birds when we arrived.
The Spoonie Tree, No Occupants
The elusive Kingfisher was in her usual spot on the water control trunk.
Female Belted Kingfisher on Water Control Trunk
However, she relocated to the Spoonie Tree when she noticed us.
Female Belted Kingfisher on Spoonie Tree
A wider view of the Spoonie Tree’s spot in the marsh.
Female Belted Kingfisher on Spoonie Tree
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 21, 2023
I’ve been posting about the slow demise of the Spoonie Tree for a couple of years and remain amazed that it is still standing. I took this image on Sunday, before Hurricane Idalia passed by.
The Spoonie Tree, August 27, 2023, occupied by a Great Egret and a Belted Kingfisher
Compare that to this image, taken in April when the water had been let out of the pond. The main limbs are still there but some of the smaller branches are gone and more of the bark has dropped.
I’ve photographed parts of this scene many times, often with alligators or turtles on the far bank. On this mid-June day there were no creatures about but if felt very lush with all those greens. And two red Texas Star Hibiscus.
Shades of Green Around A Pond
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 16, 2023
I’ve been posting about the slow demise of the Spoonie Tree for a couple of years. I stopped by on a quiet day at the end of February.
The Spoonie Tree With Cormorants, February 28, 2023
A few Double-crested Cormorants were the only birds around and the scenery was mostly brown.
The Spoonie Tree With Cormorants, February 28, 2023
I was reminded I had taken those shots and not processed them when I was there last week. I was rather surprised that none of the wading birds took a break from feeding in the name-sake Spoonie Tree.
The Spoonie Tree, April 2, 2023
Those that flew off after eating went into some trees further back in the pond.
The Spoonie Tree, April 2, 2023
The tree lost a branch, but it is mostly intact compared to this image from May 2022.
The Spoonie Tree, May 9, 2022, A Turkey Vulture and two Black Vultures