For the third outing in a row, I spent my time with this charming pair of Blue-winged Teals. I’m not sure how much longer they will stick around for as many of the ducks have already departed for the north. In any case, I’m going to make the best of the opportunity I have. The other two days were mostly overcast, with some very weak light peaking through every once in a while. Today I came upon them in the morning and it was actually a clear day. This means that I have very different angles to work and having to be more particular about what angles are usable – hence a lot more of waiting for these beautiful birds to swim into the right spot.
Blue-winged Teal
As usual, I had a great time with these two Blue-winged Teal, but I have shown so many photos of these birds over the last few entries, that I think I am running the risk of boring you. While working the teal, the American Coots swam past. This one had quite a content look on its face.
American Coot
As the morning continued, I left my favorite teal to see if I could find anything else. I had a little bit of luck with some Northern Shovelers in another spot. There were a lot more shy than the teals, but I had some cattails for cover that I could use to get close. While photographing the shovelers, this Common Moorhen popped out of the cattails right in front of me. They look similar to and are related to the coots, but they are year-round residents in South Carolina and their bright orange-red beaks contrast with the white beaks of the coots.
Common Moorhen