Category Archives: Wildlife

Wildlife Photography

Great Egret, Careful Landing

This was a great opportunity that I took full advantage of.

This Great Egret dropped down to land on the end of a dead branch. The landing was almost like slow motion letting me catch plenty of detail. She was really quite graceful.

Best viewed large.

Great Egret, Careful Landing
Great Egret, Careful Landing
Great Egret, Careful Landing
Great Egret, Careful Landing

What you don’t see here was the reason for this careful landing. Just off to the left is a Great Blue Heron nest, complete with female on eggs.

Not a safe place to stop.

Great Egret, Careful Landing
Great Egret, Careful Landing

White Ibis In A Small Swamp

Ibis tend to dig around all the places it’s a struggle to get a clean shot. I think it’s the bird most often passed up for a quick image.

White Ibis In A Small Swamp
White Ibis In A Small Swamp
White Ibis In A Small Swamp
White Ibis In A Small Swamp

This was an open spot and pretty much a consolation prize. Owls hunt here for Crayfish and nest close by.  Ellen usually works this area but this day I tagged along. I did spot a Barred Owl. Her back, high and far. Guess I jinxed Ellen.

White Ibis In A Small Swamp
White Ibis In A Small Swamp

Never Under Estimate An Anhinga

This male Anhinga surfaced nearby and I could see a catch, just not very well.

I followed his path towards an old ramp surprised he didn’t just eat it. There are many around here that will steal the fish, or even grab him while he is occupied. The first image is not great but the story needed it. The rest are better.

Never Underestimate An Anhinga
Never Underestimate An Anhinga
Never Underestimate An Anhinga
Never Underestimate An Anhinga

After he climbed the ramp I noticed how he still had the fish ‘speared’ on his bill. While most diving birds grab hold of fish, Anhinga spear them underwater. At times they do it a little too good.

Never Underestimate An Anhinga
Never Underestimate An Anhinga

Once he figured how to loosen his catch, next was the head first issue. Fish gills can harm a bird, they must be eaten head first.

Never Underestimate An Anhinga
Never Underestimate An Anhinga

Finally he did a little fish flip…

Never Underestimate An Anhinga
Never Underestimate An Anhinga

A big fish, an even bigger mouth,

Tropical Anhinga in a swamp.