I was wandering Middleton Place with my Canon 100mm macro lens in search of Camellia blooms when this Red-shouldered Hawk flew past me at ground level.
He followed the path then perched on a garden bench, obviously aware I was there.
There were some squirrels rustling around in the dried leaves that I thought for sure were going to be lunch.
I edged a bit closer while he looked around.
Evidently squirrel wasn’t what he wanted and off he went.
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
December 19, 2024
One of the Barred Owl pair was perched over the Bamboo Pond with a nice ray of sun reaching him through the canopy.
I didn’t see the spider web to the left at the time, but now wonder if he flew into it when he landed–ikk.
He was taking a break from hunting and spent a few minutes on personal grooming and stretching.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 24, 2024
Becoming familiar with bird behaviors like take off and landing habits generally will result in better photographs.
This time the Barred Owl totally surprised me pivoting around his perch and dropping rather than making a launch to dive for prey.
Then he fully spread his wings, maybe changing routes…interesting to see the movement of his feathers.
The owl was successful, with what looks like a crayfish in his beak, not the usual method of nabbing prey with his claws.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 19, 2024
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 19, 2024
I heard two squawking Red-shouldered Hawks, and spotted this one just as he landed on a small tree stump. The red blooms or seed pods behind him made an interesting background.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 4, 2024
February 4, 2024
Another day, another Red-shouldered Hawk. Or maybe the same one, as this is around the same swamp I’ve recently taken other RSH photographs.
On this morning there was no color in the sky…overcast, grey, dull.
The hawk was in no hurry to get on with his day.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 16, 2023
Several Red-shouldered Hawks have been hanging around the swamp at Magnolia.
This one was fluffed up in sun on a cold morning, watching the swamp below for his breakfast to move.
This one was on another path and so close that neither Ted or I saw it until it flew to this branch.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 27, 2023
The Red-shouldered Hawk on the upper branch from my previous post flew down the pond as we watched but the lower one stayed put. I moved down the path to get him lined up with a very seasonal looking background.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 24, 2023
The Red-shouldered Hawks have become very active around Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. It’s hard to say how many, but I have spotted them hunting in multiple locations around the property.
This one was above the pond where the White Ibis Feeding, constantly watching for something to move.
While I was watching the first bird, Ted and I realized were photographing different hawks. I zoomed out to 100mm, the minimum on my zoom lens to get them together, if not in great focus.
Here’s a closer look at the lower bird.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 24, 2023
