White Ibis and somehow still clean.
There is a stretch of back swamp that has become home to a few flocks of Ibis. They poked and dig the shallows for frogs and crayfish. Successful here too.
If you can catch them in an open spot, away from all the branches, they make for interesting photos.
Rather than a theme or specific subject I decided to post a few random photographs from this mornings walk. We got off to a late start due to the ongoing damp/dull sky, and the more critical need of milk for the coffee. A quick supply run then a swamp visit.
First is a White Ibis that popped out of some swamp muck and walked along with me for a while. Either they panic and run or stroll with you. They tend to mumble to themselves too.
Next a Red-shouldered Hawk. One of many this morning. This swamp is a breeding area for them. They also don’t appear to be as territorial as I would have thought. They pair up yet seeing a few at the same time is common. This year especially.
A Yellow-rump Warbler flashing his ‘butter butt’. Once again there were flocks around the swamp edge. Today no clear shot though, which is more normal than the last few days.
Further along I found another Red-shoulder. This one was further off the trail. As usual facing way to allow the quick get away if needed.
As we were heading out the cold blooded critters were starting the daily warm up routine. Below one of the bigger locals and his turtle friend grabbing the best dry spot.
I did see plenty of small birds in the thickets. They didn’t make it easy for me today and I just can’t stand there and wait them out.
I’m still fumbling a little with the new OM System gear but it’s getting easier and I don’t miss as many opportunities. I have been using Canon 7D2’s since 2014 so now I have to ‘think’ again LOL.
A common year round resident in the Lowcountry. And still, I hardly ever get a chance for a decent photograph.
I noticed a few along the edge of a swamp/marsh area, assuming they would be long gone when I found an opening in the tall grass.
Surprise, a couple stayed right there waiting.
This is about the only way you can make an Anhinga colorful.
Fall leaves gave him the boost he needed.
There are not many trees in this swamp that change with the season. He found them and sat for us.
The Wood Stork looks almost like a big Ibis. At one point they were even called the ‘Wood Ibis’. Turns out the are actually in the stork family.
OK, so who’s going to tell the bald guy?
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.
One of the great flying acrobats of the bird world.
This gull posed nicely on a pier and couldn’t be ignored.
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.
