When a Red-shouldered Hawk is in the deeper swamp, mixed in with Spanish Moss, they are perfectly camouflaged.
Every day we miss at least one great opportunity because they were watching us the whole time.
I thought this was an interesting and different type of hawk photograph. Of course next step is to see if there is a different angle (without wading through a swamp).
It’s not a great time of year to photo the Spoonbills. Most of the time they are wandering around in the muck and mud.
We did lucky last week though. Still plenty of mud shots, but a few roosting up higher.
A few more photographs of a smaller bird in a swamp.
Common here is the Red-bellied Woodpecker. It’s time for the birds to stock up on winter food so it’s not surprising to see this one carrying some sort of nut.
Woodpeckers will hide food in crevices, tree bark, and some create a series of holes to fill. Apparently they do remember where they have their food stored.
This photograph was taken in a large cut in a fresh water marsh. The cane here was large, as you can see from the stalk behind the bird.
Everything has a heavy brown color in the reeds now, including the Tricolors. This is the Herons fall/winter coloring.
Rather than a theme or specific subject I decided to post a few random photographs from this mornings walk. We got off to a late start due to the ongoing damp/dull sky, and the more critical need of milk for the coffee. A quick supply run then a swamp visit.
First is a White Ibis that popped out of some swamp muck and walked along with me for a while. Either they panic and run or stroll with you. They tend to mumble to themselves too.
Next a Red-shouldered Hawk. One of many this morning. This swamp is a breeding area for them. They also don’t appear to be as territorial as I would have thought. They pair up yet seeing a few at the same time is common. This year especially.
A Yellow-rump Warbler flashing his ‘butter butt’. Once again there were flocks around the swamp edge. Today no clear shot though, which is more normal than the last few days.
Further along I found another Red-shoulder. This one was further off the trail. As usual facing way to allow the quick get away if needed.
As we were heading out the cold blooded critters were starting the daily warm up routine. Below one of the bigger locals and his turtle friend grabbing the best dry spot.
I did see plenty of small birds in the thickets. They didn’t make it easy for me today and I just can’t stand there and wait them out.
I’m still fumbling a little with the new OM System gear but it’s getting easier and I don’t miss as many opportunities. I have been using Canon 7D2’s since 2014 so now I have to ‘think’ again LOL.
Anhinga, a member of the Darter family.
The Anhinga has no nostrils for breathing. Air is drawn through their throat only, water is blocked by an internal flap.
Darters are unique in their hunting method, they use their sharp beak as a spear to catch prey.
The Anhinga in the southern US, Mexico, and Caribbean is a subspecies of the South American Anhinga. This might be why they now tolerate cooler temperatures.
One of the few times I was happy to see Poison Ivy.
The Downy Woodpecker had found a treasure. It was like he wanted to eat it all right then and there.
Best viewed large.
Typically shy but not here.
Below it was almost as if he was smiling.
Taken on a back swamp trail on the Magnolia Plantation Property.
The last few days in this swamp have been filled with Hawk opportunities. Today I lost track of how many were around.
Below is the first hawk, and first shots of the day.
Ellen and I split directions for a bit. I saw nothing and came back towards her spot. However she pointed and sent me back to where I had been.
It turned out I had turned back early. A few more steps and I would have gone past a few trees to be under this beauty. Returning I shot these (and a bunch more).
He obviously knew I was there and watched the whole time.
