There were a fair number of dragonflies about when we went to Orlando Wetlands in April, but no closeups as they were over the water or in alligator occupied grasses.
A good supply of gnats over the Coots’ heads kept a few dragonflies busy.
A wider view of the Coots, with palm tree reflections in the pond.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Sometimes it seems like birds are showing off.
I was certainly impressed with this Snowy Egret’s flight skills.
He skimmed the pond in front of me with his toes in and out of the water.
I thought he was going to land, but he opted to pass on by.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 7, 2022
Oh, and an Alligator.
I didn’t notice the gator until I was processing the images.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 7, 2022
Almost three months later and in the same place as the photos for my post Little Blue Heron on the Hunt I spotted another, or the same, LBH.
Purple Iris dotted the scene.
The bird had the same patience…
…slowly walking…
… and the result was the same, nothing to be had here.
March 29, 2022
With abundant patience a Little Blue Heron stalked his lunch in a small pond.
I’ve often wondered if birds see themselves looking back when they work still water.
Slowly, slowly he moved.
Just a touch of the water…
False alarm, nothing to be had here.
January 6, 2022
I went to check on azalea reflections in the Mill Pond and found this instead. Azalea plants line the left bank and many of them sprouted new shoots that have grown taller than the blooms. We also had two nights of frost the previous week that killed any blooms that were exposed.
Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
March 17, 2022
After seeing Colorful Pond Reflections, another corner of the pond the water just reflected the blue sky. Not a bad look for this pair of American Avocets.
They paraded back and forth…
…not in any hurry…
…occasionally probing the mud for a snack.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 23, 2022
Vegetation on the pond bank made a colorful reflection around a flock of American Avocets as they waded back and forth getting breakfast.
Interestingly, a Bald Eagle was perched in a pine tree on the bank.
I was expecting him to swoop down for his own breakfast, but he eventually flew off the other way.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 23, 2022
A new bird to me, I spotted a pair of Rusty Blackbirds foraging at the edges of a swamp.
After a short pause out in the open this one went back to exploring the mud.
They eat insects or seeds, so about anything in this little pool would be a good snack.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 23, 2021
