Once the Pied-bill Grebe was on his own with the crayfish he did a slow paddle…
… with his lunch just dangling.
Then he dunked it…
…maybe rinsing it
then it was down the hatch!
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
February 11, 2025
This Pied-bill Grebe seemed keenly aware of the two Coots when he surfaced with a large crayfish.
He kept circling away from them…
…and finally turned up the pedal power and swooshed away from them.
He bobbed back to the surface, continuing to swim while he hung on tight to his lunch.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
February 11, 2025
A Common Gallinule stood on a lump of vegetation, creating a near perfect reflection.
Until a Little Blue Heron flew in and the Gallinule moved on.
The Little Blue was in hot pursuit…
…of a dragonfly.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
February 11, 2025
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
