Coming in over a small group of Snowy Egrets a White Ibis is cleared to land.
He flexes his wings to slow down.
Feet out for a perfect two point landing.
One foot up for style. The egrets do not care.
White Ibis Landing
Tag Archives: Water Bird
Pelican Fly By
This Brown Pelican was coasting over the creek then rose up in front of this tree decked out for fall.
Pond Of Birds
A very entertaining group including American White Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, a Great Egret and an Anhinga.
And an Alligator.
Single White Pelican
American White Pelicans tend to feed in groups, probably gaining an advantage of any fish their neighbor stirs up. This fellow swam away from the group into a spot where the fall colors from the tree line reflected in the shallow water. I believe the rougher water beyond the bird is deeper and has some flow as it heads into a canal.
His feeding style was more scooping along the water surface, and less plunging of his full head.
He seemed to be successful.
Goofy Birds
A Great Blue Heron took a stroll in front a Wood Stork and small flock of American White Pelicans.
He was oblivious to the photo-bombers beyond him.
The “big gulp” has got to make some noise, but the Heron was not diverted.
Interestingly, the Wood Stork and Pelicans were feeding steadily but the dozen or so Great Blue Herons around this area weren’t showing any interest in food.
White Pelicans, Fall Colors
Happy Thanksgiving!
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, November 28, 2019
Female Anhinga
A female Anhinga struck up a pose at the edge of a small pond. It was late afternoon with little sunlight reaching the water.
The reflections in the water changed considerable by my moving just a few feet and a small drape of fall colored leaves added some color.
A few steps further on and the leaves and some Spanish Moss competed for a frame around the bird.
Shadowy Wood Duck Drake
Most Wood Ducks I have seen are pretty shy, and this one was no exception.
He either heard me or a hawk that was in the area, or both.
He didn’t make a fuss, but calmly made for denser quarters, avoiding paddling through the patches of sunlight.
The Chase Is On
One of the Gulls I was watching in post Gull Ballet successfully nabbed a snack from the water.
In no time a second Gull was in hot pursuit.
The first Gull picked up speed.
As they flew off he still had possession, probably trying to swallow it as they went.
Gull Ballet
It was grey, overcast, and very still.
A few gulls were performing intricate moves as they hunted for a meal in a small pond.
The ripple in the water was from the bird first lifting up.
He hovered a moment then dropped right back down inside the rings…
smoothly entering the water.
