03/11/2026

Samuel Clifford

Location: Hilton Head, SC

Date: 03/11/2026

Temperature: 78°F

Weather: Sunny

I have gone to Pinckney Island Wildlife Refuge in Hilton Head SC. In the distance from the main trail I spot a large flock of White Ibis. I estimate around 32 individuals. They are in the tall grass out in the marsh & seem to be flying from one spot to another to feed as I have seen before at Grandbay.

At Ibis Pond there are around 20+ Individual Ibis’ both in the trees & on the waters edge. In this pond are also Common Gallinules with their distinct red head. I could see them pecking at the water likely eating insects & also flying. They flew by flapping their wings rapidly. Most of the time, they only flew inches above the water. Their interesting noise that almost sounds like the squeaking of a dog noise also helped identify them.

Furthermore, in the trees were Great Egrets around 15 individuals. They were in a group but not too close to each other as I saw some compete for space. I also saw them flare their “fancy” feathers a few times. In the area were also two Roseate Spoonbills.

Frequently next to Common Gallinules were American Coots. Almost always in the Gallinule group & swimming beside them. Eastern Bluebirds were also seen around the pond sitting on limbs & perches. The Great Egrets kept forming a larger & larger colony in the trees. Due to the time of year I’m inclined to believe they are beginning to nest. This would mean the “fancy” feathers (aigrettes) were being displayed for courtship.

The White Ibis were seen feeding the same way as the flocks in Grandbay by pecking their thin curved bills into the mud over & over again. I watched one Common Gallinule chase another off. Since there was not a third nearby I believe this was territorial defense.

Videos:

Photography of Great Egret Display:

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