I thought the Alligator on the left might join the pile while I watched, but he seemed content to float. The Yellow-bellied Slider and Alligators piled up were content with their spots, too.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 25, 2025
A Blue-winged Teal and his reflection.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island, FL
February 10, 2025
Tricolored Herons were sprinkled all along the wildlife drive, including this one feeding in a shallow pool. They tend to be solitary feeders, getting into feisty squabbles if another one gets too close.
The water levels within Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge are different every time I have been there. This visit there were many dry areas that previously I have seen water.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island, FL
February 9, 2025
The setting sun was behind me, casting an orangey glow to the east. A few Great Blue Herons were settling in for the night.
I was shooting with my 18-200mm lens, not the best for this distance especially in low light. Still, I couldn’t resist capturing a Great Blue Heron finally leaving this nesting spot after a noisy territorial kerfuffle.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 4, 2025
Often I’ll photograph a bird flying straight at me even though the head is often not clear.
The hope is that I might not miss out if the bird turns or in this case lands with a “Ta da!”
This was taken the morning of some of my recent posts that started so foggy.
As the flog cleared the sky reflecting in the water appeared a lovely shade of blue.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 30, 2024
Late yesterday afternoon a single alligator was occupying this favorite spot at the Long White Bridge pond. It was oddly warm, in the 70s (low 20s C), for the beginning of winter.
About an hour later I passed by again to find the Alligator had slid much of his body down into the water but hadn’t yet given up the spot.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 28, 2024
This is one of my favorite spots even on a dull, grey day. The pond surface was smooth, making a nice reflection with the bit of color left in the trees. The silvery Spanish Moss and leafless branches bring thoughts of winter.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 8, 2024
A Snowy Egret and a Roseate Spoonbill were feeding side-by-side in a small pond, each taking advantage of prey the other stirred up.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 30, 2024
There was lots of Alligator activity this week, despite the cooler temperatures. I counted seven Alligators floating in the pond behind the long white bridge at Magnolia.
This one treated me to a slow paddle across a colorful reflection.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 27, 2024
Roseate Spoonbills were feeding in the shallow water in the big pond at Donnelley WMA at the end of July.
Spoonbills use a lot of energy to feed as they are constantly in motion sifting the water for prey.
Groups often stick together, following the food the others stir up.
Sometimes they venture away from the group, allowing for a lovely portrait.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
July 28, 2024
