I was happily surprised to spot this vibrant garden bed on Wednesday at Middleton Place. We’ve had many nights below freezing, which pansies and violas can tolerate, but I did not expect to see poppies standing tall.
There were a few bees out and about taking advantage, too.
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
January 21, 2026
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
I had assumed these were all Yellow-bellied Sliders but maybe the two on the left in this first image are not–there wasn’t a bit of yellow to be seen.
Research tells me there is some variation, and also some interbreeding with other species.
This was a cooler day, I had gloves on, and I was surprised to see them out at all.
The Old Santee Canal Park, Moncks Corner, SC
December 4, 2025
The OM System OM-1, Mark II has a built in focus stacking feature that creates a jpg image in camera using up to 15 images. After a few still life test shots at home I tried it on some Camellias after an overnight rain.
The resulting images are probably not noticeably better than the first image of the set of 15 but I think with some practice and exploring the other camera options they could be.
Someone tucked two blossoms and a feather into the arms of a statue.
Mepkin Abby, Moncks Corner, SC
December 8, 2025
When this Great Blue Heron took off from the pond corner I was hoping he would provide me a reflection opportunity in front of a gorgeous cypress tree. Alas, that was not the path he took.
Old Santee Canal Park, Moncks Corner, SC
December 4, 2025
Many of the leaves that turn have already dropped, but there was a bit of color in the tree line at the back of the marsh.
A Great Blue Heron looks rather small tucked into the grasses at the side of this canal.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 23, 2025
I and several other folks walked underneath this Great Egret over the course of an hour.
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.
I wasn’t really prepared but took the shots anyway…
I was using my new OM System camera and wasn’t quick enough to zoom out to catch the entire bird.
Even so, I liked the detail on his feathers.
And when he got a bit further away he was fully in the frame.
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.
One of the adults was watchful in the direction they were sort of heading.
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.
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.
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.
I heard this Pileated Woodpecker working away and was fortunate the sun was highlighting his activity.
Even with me watching he kept at it.
When he went around the other side of the tree I got a pretty good view of his handiwork.
SC, Backyard
November 17, 2025
OM System OM 1 Mark II
OM System 100-400mm lens
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 16, 2025
