Category Archives: Birds

First Shots In A While, White Pelicans

I walked past some high reeds and grass to the beginning of an old rice field. This was the first shot of the day, and first of these big guys in almost a year.

I didn’t count the numbers, it was fluid anyway as they came and went. However, at one time there were maybe 50-70 in the marsh and old rice fields.

First Shots In A While, White Pelicans
First Shots In A While, White Pelicans

One of the biggest birds in North America. They are as long as the Trumpeter Swan, wing span like a Condor. Their weight can range between 7.7 and 30 lb (3.5 and 13.6 kg).

ACE Basin, South Carolina.

Up Top, Red-shouldered Hawk

Sitting up on top of a dead tree, looking over a swampy wetlands. He did his best to pretend we weren’t there. Down below were all types of snacks. He just needed to be patient.

Up Top, Red-shouldered Hawk
Up Top, Red-shouldered Hawk

I never did see him drop down.

Up Top, Red-shouldered Hawk
Up Top, Red-shouldered Hawk
Up Top, Red-shouldered Hawk
Up Top, Red-shouldered Hawk

On this morning we must have seen at least five different hawks. Only two looked to be a pair.

Sometimes They Are Hard To Spot, Hawk

When a Red-shouldered Hawk is in the deeper swamp, mixed in with Spanish Moss, they are perfectly camouflaged.

Every day we miss at least one great opportunity because they were watching us the whole time.

Sometimes They Are Hard To Spot, Hawk
Sometimes They Are Hard To Spot, Hawk

I thought this was an interesting and different type of hawk photograph. Of course next step is to see if there is a different angle (without wading through a swamp).

Red-bellied Woodpecker

A few more photographs of a smaller bird in a swamp.

Common here is the Red-bellied Woodpecker. It’s time for the birds to stock up on winter food so it’s not surprising to see this one carrying some sort of nut.

Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker

Woodpeckers will hide food in crevices, tree bark, and some create a series of holes to fill. Apparently they do remember where they have their food stored.

Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker