Tag Archives: Pink

Flowers

Pink Camellias, And a New Lens

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We bought a new lens for our OM System cameras: the 14-42mm pancake lens. I took it out for a test drive at Magnolia Plantation last week, before the extreme cold and snow visited the low country.

Pink Camellia
Pink Camellia

Winter camellias make excellent subjects and this symmetric pink beauty has always been one of my favorites.

Pink Camellia
Pink Camellia

However, this bold bloom may take over that spot.

Camellia
Camellia

Magnolia remains closed today with temperatures still below freezing, creating ice from any snow that melted yesterday.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 30, 2026

Flowers

Camellias, In Camera Focus Stacking

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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.

Camellia Flower
Camellia Flower

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.

Camellia Flower
Camellia Flower
Camellia Flower
Camellia Flower

Someone tucked two blossoms and a feather into the arms of a statue.

Camellia Flowers with Water Drops
Camellia Flowers with Water Drops

Mepkin Abby, Moncks Corner, SC
December 8, 2025

Wading Birds

Roseate Spoonbill, Landing, Oops–Not Landing

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I spotted this Roseate Spoonbill heading towards the Spoonie Tree, looking to make a graceful landing.

Roseate Spoonbill
Roseate Spoonbill

Or so I thought…

Roseate Spoonbill
Roseate Spoonbill

For no reason that was apparent to me, he just kept on going…

Roseate Spoonbill
Roseate Spoonbill

…and going…

Roseate Spoonbill
Roseate Spoonbill in Flight, Marsh Grasses at their full summer green

I waited patiently and he circled back…

Roseate Spoonbill
Roseate Spoonbill

and executed a successful touchdown.

Roseate Spoonbill
Roseate Spoonbill

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
August 2, 2025

Insects

Dragonfly on Pink Lily

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It was something of a challenge to get a nice composition of this dragonfly while keeping my feet out of the garden bed.

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Dragonfly on Pink Lily

Somewhat oddly, he never took flight while I was watching.

Dragonfly on Pink Lily
Dragonfly on Pink Lily

And he was the only one I saw in this 100 foot (30 meter) long garden.

Dragonfly on Pink Lily
Dragonfly on Pink Lily

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 11, 2025

Flowers

Unexpected Blooms

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I think this is some kind of a fruit blossom. We’ve had wide varying temperatures, including  some nights below freezing this month. Then we’ve had days in the 70s (21 C) which may have fooled this tree. As we are heading into winter, that nice weather won’t last and these flowers will not produce any fruit.

Fruit Blossom in December
Fruit Blossom in December
Fruit Blossom in December
Fruit Blossom in December

Overall, the tree is not that healthy looking with lots of lichen. I’ll try to remember to check it in the spring and see how it is doing.

Tree Branch with Pink Blossoms
Tree Branch with Pink Blossoms

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 15, 2024