Dappled sunlight was reaching the tree where this Barred Owl was perched.
Alas, only his tail was to be lit up.
After a bit he dove down and gave the appearance of clutching prey under water.
But, he came up with nothing and chose a different perch to continue his hunt.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 10, 2022
The Red-shouldered Hawk that was sharing a snag with the Black-bellied Whistling Ducks blended right into the branch when he turned away from me.
The hawk opted to move on.
He didn’t go far, maybe just needed his own space.
These snags stand in one of the wetland cells created as part of the city’s water reclamation process.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 7, 2022
I first photographed this zippy Burrowing Owl last June then saw him again in October at Photography Day.
He wasn’t doing anything different on this day, but he sure was cute. And zippy.
Safety first, he watched all movement overhead where some vultures were swooping around.
With the danger passed, he posed on a higher perch.
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC
Photography Day, October 10, 2021
This pine tree serves as a frequent perch for Bald Eagles as they survey the pond below, looking for a meal. The tree dwarfs the raptor and depending on which branch they choose not easy to spot until they fly.
He didn’t move much between my taking this image and the one in my April 6th Barred Owl post, with just his facial disc angled slightly more. They were both so nice I developed a B&W version of this one.
Portrait of a Barred Owl holding his frog catch.
Still wet after his dive to catch this fish the Osprey shook off then proceeded to consume his meal at a steady pace.
He started at the head and worked meticulously down the fish. I didn’t see a single piece fall although my attention did waver as this process took about 15 minutes.
The Osprey’s attention was diverted a couple of times when a Red Shouldered Hawk was calling on the other side of the pond. The Hawk never came close and the Osprey went back to eating.
A foot bridge crosses the pond and I was able to get a different angle out on the bridge.
I didn’t see him leave and a few minutes later I heard his distinctive call out over a nearby marsh.
Click on any photo for a larger view.
