Tag Archives: Nature

Birds, Marsh, Ocean Shore, Pelican, Wildlife

Crashing Brown Pelican

June 12, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 5 Comments

Brown Pelicans are the only member of the Pelican family that actually dive for their catch. And by dive I mean from way up high. No soft landings either.

Crashing Brown Pelican - click to enlarge — Crashing Brown Pelican – click to enlarge

This series shows a Pelican, crash fishing, in a marsh inlet at low tide. To add a little more drama the background above is oyster beds. Sharp oyster shells, thousands of them.

I always feel they should pull up a little right before the splash.

But just the opposite. Above you can see the Pelican stick his neck and head out into the crash. Ouch !

The water isn’t deep here either.

And finally above, the fish was getting away so the bird splashed and flapped a little more chasing him.

Just as sudden as the dive, it’s all over. The Pelican catches his breath, bill a little full.

In a minute or two he flies back up, looking to do it all over again.

It’s really a spectacular show.

Landscape, This and That, Wildlife

June Sunflower

June 12, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 8 Comments

Birds, Heron, Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

Out Exploring The World (A Series), Heron

June 12, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

There’s just so much ‘new stuff’ to see out there.

Out Exploring The World, Heron - click to enlarge — Out Exploring The World, Heron – click to enlarge

They can now fly, but still don’t know their way around yet.

Until they are more comfortable it’s just a little easier to stay off the ground.

Better yet, after getting tired he can just run back to the nest for awhile.

Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

Dragons Come In All Sizes

June 12, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 2 Comments

A Carolina Anole (Green Anole). They are native to the Southeastern US, but have been introduced to other places (with not great results).

Dragons Come In All Sizes - click to enlarge — Dragons Come In All Sizes – click to enlarge

You can find them climbing around a swamp, or running across a porch floor (or anywhere else for that matter).

We also have a Brown Anole which can drive out the more docile Carolina ones. And of course the Brown are invasive from the Carribbean. Basically pets turned loose and now an issue.

I have learned to live in harmony with the little guys. It was either that or move back north. Anole are fast, and numerous. If they stay out of the house we do just fine.

Birds, Heron, Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

Bright, Different Colors, Blends Right In, Night Heron

June 12, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 2 Comments

This may be a contradiction, but it’s common in birds. There are many species that should stick right out in the wild. Yet for some reason they don’t, when you glance their way chances are they not seen.

Bright, Different Colors, Blends Right In, Night Heron - click to enlarge — Bright, Different Colors, Blends Right In, Night Heron – click to enlarge

This Yellow-crowned Night Heron is one of them. The shot above was taken mid day. They prefer to live in swamps with the odd lighting.

Once you spot one it’s obvious what they are, but the first find is what counts.

Alligator, Black and White, Marsh, Swamp, This and That, Wildlife

Really Hot Day, Alligator

June 11, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 4 Comments

100% humidity, and it wasn’t raining.

Taken from a dirt road that runs along a swamp. This was in a section of open water. The sun was burning right down on the water.

Really Hot Day, Alligator - click to enlarge — Really Hot Day, Alligator – click to enlarge

Nothing to see but him and a dead tree.

Birds, Egret, Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

A Family Portrait, Egrets

June 10, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 2 Comments

These are the frustrating photographs. They should be easier, the little ones are going no where. However, the adult might.

So keep them in the view finder, keep focus and wait for the right moment. Also, remember to bring the monopod next time, the long gear is too heavy.

A Family Portrait, Egrets - click to enlarge — A Family Portrait, Egrets – click to enlarge

The little ones keep flopping over. First one, then the other, next both. All I wanted was the two upright at the same time.

After 50 images, and holding the camera up, and steady, I may have one. If not, so be it. This gear is heavy.

Birds, Egret, Wildlife

Egret Over The Ashley River

June 10, 2018 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

I caught this single shot as the bird flew by. Being on the shore my angle was downward which gave me this flat background. It was a dull day, and slow dull water.

Egret Over The Ashley River - click to enlarge — Egret Over The Ashley River – click to enlarge

The Ashley river flows through marshes until it reaches Charleson Harbor, South Carolina.