These are among the last photographs taken for 2021 in the Bear Island area. Each year the roads and dikes are closed for 3 months.
We had followed the ‘distant white birds’ down several connecting dikes, they get like a small highway back here. I admit to not always going for the ‘long walk’, but the year here was ending so I plowed through.
White Pelicans, ACE Basin
Finally we reached Pelicans in a larger open marsh. A little walk and as you see above, they took off when we finally found an opening to shoot from.
White Pelicans, ACE Basin
Further down we caught up with them again. This time it was not a mass exodus. Just a few at a time.
A few fall scenes taken at sunrise in large marshes.
It was a pretty morning with the typical golden fall colors. I was using two cameras and managed to catch images a little wide and the nice scenery along with the locals.
Marsh Scenes, ACE Basin
Early light and the White Pelicans were joining up for the morning fishing. Above was just a part of the flock so I’m guessing there were a few hundred of the big guys. In the far back you can (almost) see flocks of Blue-winged Teals.
Marsh Scenes, ACE Basin
Above is the second Pelican flock. If you view this large you will see the Great Blue Herons in their grouping and Wood Storks in the background.
Marsh Scenes, ACE Basin
Great Blue Herons were along the edges of the reeds and getting territorial about the spaces. Above you see their posturing, standing tall, head back. Half the time it amounts to nothing. The other half is all flapping wings and squawking.
Marsh Scenes, ACE Basin
This last photograph is a moving line of Pelicans fishing. They created a straight line and worked their way back and forth through the open water.
This is a huge open water area in a marsh but even so, with this many large birds systematically working the surface fish will become depleted. Ultimately the Pelican will move to another location that can support them. Probably one with no access so we can’t find.
When we went through the delta and marshes I carried a full pack, something I avoid doing these days. However, being on a flat boat I could keep everything on the deck and use two cameras.
Traveling this way meant I actually used my backup gear with shorter lens most of the time. I almost left it home!
Santee Delta Scenes
This area is where multiple black rivers meet and spread across miles of marsh and old rice fields. Also there are deep creeks cutting through that with a high tide can be used as shortcuts around the area. We had a King Tide (highest type) and took advantage of the creeks to see places not usually seen.
Santee Delta Scenes
Land here is designated as ‘wilderness’ too. Basically this means if you walk on two legs keep out. And it’s enforced. Not many places in the US are wilderness any longer.
Santee Delta Scenes
We moved through tight spots but the boat is specifically designed for this.
This Spoonbill was part of a group that did their best to stay out of photograph reach. However, one particular bird flew laps around the open water at just the right height to catch the fall marsh grasses in the background.
