The Woodpecker was almost stationary for some time. Ellen (PassingByPhoto.com) was following him first, as usual.
Finally I couldn’t stand it and had to shoot a few too.
These were taken about 2 weeks ago, near the local Great Blue rookery. We’ve been busy and I tend to pay more attention to the bigger critters pushing these images back a bit.
Charleston, South Carolina.
Note; probably wrong ID here. Downy seems more likely... in hindsight of course.
I’m not sure he even turned his head. He was paddling along with a purpose.
The day was dull with little reflection or color on the water.
Still, it is a big White Pelican which will soon be heading back north.
A change of perspective.
Great Egret breeding colors.
Here he was in a rookery, and ‘almost’ feeling it. He wasn’t the only one either.
A few juvenile Roseate Spoonbills were hanging together very interested in the shenanigan’s the adults were up to.
This one thought about giving a dance step or two. Which would have been very funny since Spoonbills just seem to prance and look pretty.
By next year they will be ready, especially since they have a front row seat to get lessons in this rookery.
There’s lots of dancing happening in the rookeries now. Of course the one to watch is the Great Egret.
The routine has the same basic steps for each bird, but like anything there are always variations.
Below is a series of basic moves I photographed, presented in the order performed.
First the basic bow to start. Some birds stretch way down, but the head dip looks more common.
Next the bridal feathers expand.
Next is the stretch. Many times they stand so tall, with head high, you can’t get them in the frame.
Final move is a bob up and down, push out the ‘veil’ then stand still.
This was not exactly the most enthusiastic mating dance. In fairness there was all kinds of birds here, little room to really boogie, and maybe a few others were already giving him a dance ‘back at ya’ sign.
Every year I shoot as many as I can. Over time most have never seen the light of day. But it’s great fun !
These birds are not exactly master builders. Most of the bigger birds aren’t. It’s surprising anything stays in the nests.
Here a Spoonbill was settling into a dark spot inside several Palms, smarter than most of his friends.
Being a good location, and easy to build on, the neighborhood was getting crowded.
The image here didn’t fit the web site header but I published it anyway.
Not very often does a Great Blue Heron decide to make a vertical take off.
This bird is known to torture photographers. They certainly do it to me.
The minute they feel the camera, gone, underwater. It’s really an amazing skill.
I have to assume this one knew I was having trouble with the light. He stayed around for a while.
