Category Archives: Ocean Shore

Something Different, Reddish Egret

Reddish Egrets have one of the smallest habitats in the US.  The coastal salt marshes in the far southern end of the country.

Its not surprising to have people questioning just what a Reddish Egret is. We typically find one or two in the Lowcountry each summer. This bird was photographed at Merritt Island, Fl.

Something Different, Reddish Egret
Something Different, Reddish Egret

 

Dolphin, Pelican, Fish Flying Everywhere (2)

This is the second article in the series of Dolphin strand feeding, flying fish, and thieving Pelicans. To view the first article click here .

You don’t really know where the strand will be. There are times you will see the pod circling and pushing fish out in the open water. But they might herd the school anywhere along the shore that has a good deep drop they can fit in. Personally I find what appears to be a good spot and stay there. This inlet is at least a mile long, I’m not running this in the sun!

I have a good idea of the shore here so if they are feeding I should get a few chances…and a few near misses. Below is a little bit of both.

Dolphin, Pelican, Fish Flying Everywhere (2)
Dolphin, Pelican, Fish Flying Everywhere (2)

About 4 Dolphin hit the beach pushing a lot of fish on to the sand. Above you can see them in the air.

From my spot the Dolphin were a little to far down a slope into the water for full body photos. This chaos happened with no warning. Suddenly the air filled with a wave (loud) of water and fish. Dolphin on the beach were right behind.

Dolphin, Pelican, Fish Flying Everywhere (2)
Dolphin, Pelican, Fish Flying Everywhere (2)
Dolphin, Pelican, Fish Flying Everywhere (2)
Dolphin, Pelican, Fish Flying Everywhere (2)

You don’t have time to do anything but shoot the camera. Besides you never interrupt an animal feeding, and they flail around on shore and would crush a person like a grape. They are really big.

Dolphin, Pelican, Fish Flying Everywhere (2)
Dolphin, Pelican, Fish Flying Everywhere (2)

This Pelican was a surprised as me. He never had a chance to steal a fish. He did try though.

Pelicans With Shrimpers

I can’t think of a better way to spend time than walk along the boardwalk with the commercial shrimp boats. And of course the always present  Brown Pelicans looking to get a free meal.

Pelicans With Shrimpers
Pelicans With Shrimpers

You can buy fresh shrimp and fish from the wholesalers right next to these piers. Better yet restaurants are on the other side of the parking lots here and have done all the work for you.

Pelicans With Shrimpers
Pelicans With Shrimpers

Shem Creek, South Carolina.

Dolphin, Pelican, Fish Flying Everywhere (1)

The only place known where Dolphin will drive fish to shore, and then follow them right on the beach is the Lowcountry. The Dolphin pods are residents to the inlets here and are not ocean going. As such they have taught themselves new ways to hunt and pass it on to each new generation.

Dolphin, Pelican, Fish Flying Everywhere (1)
Dolphin, Pelican, Fish Flying Everywhere (1)

Above several Dolphin drove Mullet to the beach and went up and caught them on shore. You can see a fish by a Dolphin.

The other trick with these Dolphin pods are their followers, Brown Pelicans. Pelicans will push right in to steal the fish.

Kiawah River, South Carolina.