UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Although Hilton Head Island has wonderful wildlife photo ops, my favorite venue is Pinckney Island, the main part of the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge (PINWR).* I visited the island twice during this trip. I like to arrive at sunrise when the island opens to get golden hour shots. This first visit had good points and bad. The day was overcast, so I did not get any direct early sun shots lighting the area or birds. However, the overcast allowed me to capture the bright mating colors.

These posts show the many different species on the island. I will post action sequences and BIFs later.

My favorite shooting spot is Ibis Pond, a rookery about .7 of a mile in. No vehicles are allowed, so my gear and I can make it to Ibis Pond, but you will have to rely on younger shooters for scenes of the many other ponds on the island.

Comments and suggestions are welcomed.

* Pinckney Island has a history as a plantation, Civil War Union troop camp and shooting preserve. In 1975 the islands in the present refuge were donated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for use as a preserve.

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photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

Gorgeous egret!

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Thanks, Karin, they are very colorful now.

kmpankopf Loc: Mid-Michigan; SW Pennsylvania

Very nice Egret. Excellent set.

Horseart Loc: Alabama

Oh my goodness Mike, you struck it rich. I love the Egrets in full mating color and they are all just fantastic photos! Nice work!!!

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Thanks, Kurt, the egrets are the major bird in the rookery.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

I appreciate your encouragement, Jo.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

You know, I was born and raised in South Carolina but have never been to Hilton Head. Great shots.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Utter photographic perfection 🏆🏆🌿🏆🏆

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Excellent, Mike. I am so pleased that you have "gotten into" bird imagery.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Thanks, Mike, we discovered it in 1983 when we were living on the east coast. I appreciate your encouraging comment.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Your encouraging comment is really appreciated, Joe!

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

You know that you are one of the culprits in my journey to the dark side, Ken. Thanks for your kind comment.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

You did a wonderful job, Mike.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

You are very generous, Barbara.