Tag Archives: Water Bird

American White Pelicans, They Are Back, 2024 Version

December 1, 2024 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

One year ago I posted American White Pelican photos taken on November 30. Turns out we had a repeat experience yesterday with my first AWPs of the season.

There were about 15 of the big birds, with a few Great Egrets sprinkled in between.

None of the birds were feeding, with the Pelicans just bobbing around.

Maybe they had already eaten or maybe the cold and high water made fish hard to find.

If we had arrived twenty minutes later we would have missed seeing them as first a few took off then the rest of the group lifted into the air. It still surprises me how gracefully and quietly they do this.

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 30, 2024

Water Birds

Mute Swan Show Off

March 19, 2024 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

The pair of swans that live at Middleton Place’s Reflection Pool spend their days patrolling up and down the pond or lounging on the banks with the occasional turtle or small alligator enjoying the sun with them. On my recent visit two workmen were trying to dislodge a clog of the pool’s drainage system. One of the swans was not keen on sharing his territory, making his presence known with fluffed up wings and neck displays.

Middleton Place, Charleston, SC
March 11, 2024

Water Birds

Anhinga Preening

March 10, 2024 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

Drying and preening after a swim in a duckweed covered pond, this Anhinga was showing off his flexible neck.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 6, 2024

Water Birds

American White Pelicans, They Are Back

December 1, 2023 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

On our last few trips to Donnelley Wildlife Management Area we have encountered onesies and twosies of a variety of birds. Interesting but not the winter numbers that we’ve been expecting. Yesterday we hit the jackpot, starting with these American White Pelicans that have just recently arrived from their northern sojourn.