After leaving the Sweetgum Tree ball course a White Ibis moved to a “safer” walk in the water.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 14, 2026
(Ted’s OM 100-400mm Lens)
White Ibis Walk About
Tag Archives: OM 100-400mm
Great Blue Heron Pair, Prime Nest Site, Part 2
The male Great Blue Heron had just flown in with a stick which they placed at their feet.
They seemed indecisive about what to do next.
This nest isn’t going to build itself!
Finally he took off…
I waited at least twenty minutes hoping he’d return with more nesting material. The female did her part, keeping the spot occupied in case of interlopers.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 14, 2026
(Ted’s OM 100-400mm Lens)
Rough Road Ahead
If you’ve ever stepped on one of these Sweetgum Tree balls you can appreciate why the Ibis picks a careful path. Barefoot, they are sharp, and with shoes on they are like stepping on marbles.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 14, 2026
(Ted’s OM 100-400mm Lens)
Great Blue Heron Pair, Prime Nest Site, Part 1
This tree has been popular for GBH nest building over the years. This pair has staked a claim and I watched the male bring a stick.
The light reflecting off the leaf-less trees and Spanish Moss is harsh this time of year, and the pond was covered with bright green duckweed that reflected off the heron’s outstretched wings.
After alerting to his arrival the female watched more closely as he flew in.
From that angle he had a pretty long landing zone, and then a few hops to get to his mate.
Together they found the right spot for the stick.
Then they stood around, cozying up and him not rushing off for more nesting material. Evidently there is no urgency to get the nest ready.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 14, 2026
(Ted’s OM 100-400mm Lens)
Eastern Phoebe, Perched on Dried Reeds
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 14, 2026
Great Blue Heron on Branch
The marsh grasses were sporting their early winter, almost drab, look near the end of December.
This Great Blue Heron perched on the coveted spot on the Spoonie Tree as the sun went in and out that morning.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 25, 2025
Tundra Swans Landing
There is nothing graceful about the way Tundra Swans splash down and they have a bit of a kerfuffle if another swan is in their landing path. In the end, no swans were hurt. This time.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 25, 2025
Tricolor Heron Flying By
Tricolored Herons are often erratic flyers, twisting and turning as the zip around the marsh edges. This one surprised me with a long, smooth flight like he had somewhere else to be.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 25, 2025
Tundra Swans Take Off
Tundra Swans continue to return to South Carolina’s Bear Island Wildlife Management Area each winter. We photographed them this year for the first time since 2020 and were fortunate to go on day that was in the low 70s (21C).
Many of the Swans were towards the middle of Mary’s House Pond giving us a decent view as they moved around.
All that flapping and splashing gives a good audio cue that take off is about to happen.
This duo got further and further apart as they lifted off.
Repeating myself from a 2018 post, these swans can weigh up to 23 pounds (10 Kilos) so getting into the air takes a huge effort and considerable runway distance.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 25, 2025
Wood Duck, Late Afternoon Sun
Wood Ducks that I’ve encountered tend to be pretty skittish, and often fly before you hardly know they are there. This one surprised me with a gentle flap then he settled back down and paddled along, studiously avoiding getting his head in the sun patch.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 16, 2025