Reddish Egrets were around, and in some decent numbers. At the best of times we can be happy with just a few. The other day we had at least 6 in one location.
These birds have a small habitat. Storms, drought, and toxic algae along the coast all effect the Reddish more than other birds.
They are the ultimate dancers of the wading birds. This guy was just warming up.
Merritt Island, Florida.
A fun shot, certainly interesting and different.
Best viewed large.
So who exactly is in that pile ?
I count four Alligators and three turtles. Unfortunately for the turtles two are underneath the pile.
We passed this twice. One mid afternoon, next towards sun down. The pile sifted a little but I think all players remained the same.
A local that easily gets confused with the toxic viper Cottonmouth. However these snakes are not poisonous. Might hurt if they bite, but that’s it.
I always look at the head first to check if it has a clear triangle shape. No triangle, you’re good.
An adult will grow to around 48+ inches (1.5 meters), big enough for me. There are several types of water snakes, this species is a coastal inhabitant.
It’s pretty hard to go into a swamp and not see one of these, if you’re looking.
Four Hole Swamp, South Carolina.
Please read the comments below for new… and better, I on these snakes. 😁
A group photo, with the Stilt the main subject of course.
The tidal pool below had Blue-winged Teals and Glossy Ibis sharing space with the Stilits.
A quick take off heading over to some others that looked to be catching fish.
A Spoonbill was nearby so maybe it was a case of the fear of missing out.
A tiny, bright, little warbler from the West Indies, Central America, and Northern South America.
Early summer they show up in the Lowcountry, a little later they go even further north. We have plenty of them here, but you need to go to the swamps. They love warm swamps and the big Cypress Knees, which can be hollow. A perfect nest location.
The big Four Holes Swamp is the best place to find them this time of year.
Most of the birds we see have been banded at some point. Either here, or down in Central America. They can have three bands, each documenting their life cycle.
If you have patience standing in one location and listening will eventually take to a spot where you will find them.
I prefer to walk and watch Ellen. She finds them.
Roseate Spoonbill posing in a salt marsh.
The salt water is much clearer than my usual swamp/marsh images.
Showing off those unique colors.
It’s the only Egret with any real colors.
Of course there are a few ‘white morph’ Reddish Egrets further south in Florida.
