Tag Archives: Nature

Alligator, Marsh, Swamp, What I Saw, Wildlife

Catching Fish, Alligator

November 18, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

While I was photographing the Alligators feeding most of their catch were tiny fish. There were some crabs and larger fish and these I tried to shoot. I was not always successful unfortunately.

However this Alligator came up from under the open dike with a nice catch.

Catching Fish, Alligator - click to enlarge — Catching Fish, Alligator – click to enlarge

Because this was a large Alligator the others that were close did not make any attempts at stealing the fish. The mid-sized Alligators took whatever they caught and left the area fast. No meal time etiquette here.

Click, or double tap, any image to view the gallery.

Catching Fish, Alligator – click to enlarge

Wildlife, Birds, Swamp, Marsh, What I Saw

Fishing By A Marsh Dike, Eagle

November 18, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 4 Comments

At one point here there were so many Bald Eagles it was getting confusing where to focus. Most of the activity was off on the far side of the marsh.

Fishing By A Marsh Dike - click to enlarge — Fishing By A Marsh Dike – click to enlarge

Last minute I noticed an Eagle fly down a canal, between 2 Great Egrets.

The catch here was so fast I must have been shifting focus to miss the touch down.

He did get the fish. Better, he had enough space to rise up since 2 Alligators were watching.

Wildlife, Birds, Heron, Swamp, Charleston

On The Reeds, Tricolored Heron

November 18, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 1 Comment

The reeds made a nice pile up off the water. I guess this kept his feet dry and he was up high enough to feel safe.

On The Reeds, Tricolored Heron - click to enlarge — On The Reeds, Tricolored Heron – click to enlarge

You could still see plenty of the rusty juvenile coloring, but underneath the adult gray feathers were coming through. I have never been able to find out how long the juvenile coloring is kept.

Click, or double tap, any image to view the gallery.

On The Reeds, Tricolored Heron – click to enlarge

Birds, Marsh, Spoonbill, What I Saw, Wildlife

Incoming Spoonbill

November 18, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 2 Comments

This Roseate Spoonbill had just taken off from a small group and was making a turn to land on the banks of the rice fields. One problem, I was already there.

When I was sighted a quick plan B went into effect.

A return back to where the flight started.

It’s always nice to get a head on photograph that’s decent. All these wading birds are so then they disappear when shooting straight on. Even if you can see something the camera still can’t find anything to focus on.

Birds, Egret, Marsh, Wildlife

Maybe It Didn’t Taste Good, Egret

November 18, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

What it was this Egret seemed to spit it out very quickly and shake her head around. Water was flying everywhere.

Maybe It Didn’t Taste Good - click to enlarge — Maybe It Didn’t Taste Good – click to enlarge

I can’t imagine what it might have been, they will eat most anything.

Click, or double tap, any image to view the gallery and catch.

Maybe It Didn’t Taste Good – click to enlarge

Birds, Marsh, Pelican, Shore Bird, Wildlife

White Pelican Up Close

November 18, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

Around here the White Pelicans are 100% wild and really avoid getting close to people. This area is part of their migration route.

Typically large flocks stay out in the far marshes where we cannot get close at all. A long lens is no help if there is no road and dry land.

White Pelican Up Close - click to enlarge — White Pelican Up Close – click to enlarge

A few large groups have gone to rest in the old rice fields that we can reach. Most of them still pretty far away, but not always.

This may be the closest photograph I have had. Enlarged you can see drops of water on his feet and under belly feathers.

There are many Eagles where they picked to stay, but they are too big for them unless hurt. Alligators, well the big ones could be a problem.

Birds, Marsh, Swamp, What I Saw, Wildlife

Hunting Fly By, Bald Eagle

November 18, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

This was taken while at least 5 other Eagles flew nearby. I was even able to get a few shots of Eagles attempting to steal fish from each other.

Most of the birds kept their distance fishing (and hunting the local Ibis) on the far side of this marsh. There were times they flew all around me.

Hunting Fly By, Bald Eagle - click to enlarge — Hunting Fly By, Bald Eagle – click to enlarge

This gathering might be the start of nest building here.

Alligator, Marsh, Swamp, What I Saw, Wildlife

On Having A Backup Camera Near

November 18, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 2 Comments

If you walk around with a big pack, second camera, and vest full of stuff you are a ‘photo nerd’, even in the boonies.

I did carry all that, and almost still do. The difference is a keep it in a sling in the car (if the car is in sight or safe).

Below is why I went back to having a second camera handy.

On Having A Backup Camera Near - click to enlarge — On Having A Backup Camera Near – click to enlarge

All these images were taken between 75 mm – 130 mm . Pretty much a portrait lens. My usual long lens will not shoot closer than 150 mm. These were not in focus on that lens. I was much too close. A feeding situation with 30 – 50 Alligators only happens maybe once a year, so missing the opportunity is not good.

These Alligators were feeding, and arguing, just off the bank of a marsh dike. I stood on the dike a little above (6 – 8 feet) and out of reach.

Almost makes me want a smaller mirrorless camera as backup. Ellen (PassingByPhoto.com) uses a Sony with several portrait lens. For now I’ll keep a older Canon DSLR, I know how to use it.