I and several other folks walked underneath this Great Egret over the course of an hour.
Great Egret
In that hour the weather completely changed from a gorgeous blue sky morning to total overcast. Just as I was passing underneath after walking the dike, the Great Egret decided to go.
Great Egret Taking Off
I wasn’t really prepared but took the shots anyway…
Great Egret Taking Off
I was using my new OM System camera and wasn’t quick enough to zoom out to catch the entire bird.
Great Egret Taking Off
Even so, I liked the detail on his feathers.
Great Egret In Flight
And when he got a bit further away he was fully in the frame.
Great Egret In Flight
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 23, 2025
When we topped the hill heading towards the dike these ducks looked like a fallen branch or maybe a sunbathing Alligator like we’ve seen before.
Black-bellied Whistling Duck Family, Adults with the orange beaks
One of the adults was watchful in the direction they were sort of heading.
Black-bellied Whistling Duck Adult
I suspect the youngsters cannot yet fly. As we approached they finally moved off the road and down a small bank towards water. One of the adults did a fly-hop part way, but the juveniles didn’t even try.
Black-bellied Whistling Duck Family
They jumped into the pond and swam to a hummock where they huddled up for safety. There are several Eagles in the area that I expect this crew has seen up close.
Black-bellied Whistling Duck Family
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 23, 2025
The top of this dying pine tree behind our house snapped off during a storm a couple of years ago. IÂ often can see bird movement around the jagged top and now that some nearby trees have dropped their leaves several holes are visible on the sides.
Pileated Woodpecker
I heard this Pileated Woodpecker working away and was fortunate the sun was highlighting his activity.
Pileated Woodpecker
Even with me watching he kept at it.
Pileated Woodpecker
When he went around the other side of the tree I got a pretty good view of his handiwork.