Category Archives: Pelican

Birds, Egret, Heron, Marsh, OM System, Pelican, Stork, Wildlife

Marsh Scenes

December 3, 2023 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 6 Comments

When we get to a marsh or swamp and find many different birds and actions happening, at the same time, it’s easy to just start shooting anything and everything. This means I will have tons of random wildlife shots. I will focus after a bit, but rule 101 says get the shot. Below are a few of the initial ‘get the shot’ images.

1) A Great Egret dropped down as we first entered. He was joining a few others already feeding. I wanted to get my first inflights right away to be sure I had the camera settings correct. I’m not comfortable enough yet with my new gear to ‘set and forget’.

2) A group shot below using the big Pelicans are the main subject. I hadn’t shot the Pelicans since the beginning of the year. They can take off in mass with little warning. So first thought was the Pelicans, but shoot wide enough to catch the Egrets and Wood Storks in the background. I have had times where big flocks took off immediately on seeing me giving me a few initial photos only.

3) Last here was a scene happening just off to my right as I was shooting the other photos.

A Wood Stork was walking away with something he had caught. In the reeds a Great Blue Heron was watching, probably considering his options to steal from the bigger Stork. It never happened, but I was sure it was about to. Looking at the image now, I think he has a stick. The Heron may have noticed that too and skipped his plan.

Out in these marshes when there is a sudden drop in temperatures fish can die off, or at least be stunned. When this happens every critter in the area comes for the free food. I did see stunned and a few dead, fish a little later. Most birds only want fresh kill. Bald Eagles, Alligators, and of course Vultures aren’t so picky.

Images taken in the ACE Basin, Donnelley wildlife area, South Carolina.

Birds, Marsh, OM System, Pelican, Wildlife

First Shots In A While, White Pelicans

December 1, 2023 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 4 Comments

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.

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.

Birds, Charleston, Ocean Shore, OM System, Pelican, Shore Bird, Wildlife

Brown Pelicans

November 4, 2023 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 1 Comment

Taken on a fishing pier. These birds and I were watching a fisherman that had hooked a huge fish. We all wanted to see what was on the end of the line. It was bending the pole in half.

And yes it’s a fish story. Because just as he was pulling the big catch up, it broke the line. The man just looked around in shock. He was the only one that had even a glimpse at what he (almost) caught.

These Pelican photographs were the consolation prize.

Birds, Charleston, Ocean Shore, OM System, Pelican, Shore Bird, Wildlife

Quick Meal, Pelican, Gull

October 23, 2023 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 2 Comments

I noticed a Brown Pelican on a pier with something freshly caught. He was also in a staring contest with a nearby Gull. Pelicans may be larger, however the Gulls are master thieves.

From above another joined the scene, hovering over the Pelican.

Suddenly the meal was finished. There was no time for the Gulls to make a move. The Pelican had no time either.

I have seen Gulls standing right on a Pelican that has a catch. If you think about it, what can he do ? This Pelican was taking no chances, besides who wants a Gull standing on their head.

Birds, Ocean Shore, OM System, Pelican, Shore Bird, Wildlife

A Youngster, Brown Pelican

October 18, 2023 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 2 Comments

Here a young Brown Pelican paddled by me. Slow and in no hurry so I was able to take my time with a few different settings.

I was most impressed on how clean and fresh the various layers of his wing feathers were. All in perfect rows. View the image large and you can see what I mean.

I would like to say it’s my photographic skills…however I do see this in younger Pelicans. On this site there are multiple Pelican images and the young birds have this look, the older birds with the lighter feathers and white heads do not.

Just an observation with zero facts to support it.

Birds, Charleston, Ocean Shore, OM System, Pelican, Wildlife

Big Guy, Looking For A Free Lunch

October 17, 2023 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 2 Comments

Shrimping season is over. The commercial boats are tied up and having much needed maintenance. However, some of the smaller fishing boats are still going out. Pelicans love these since there is always some scraps / fish going overboard.