A morning at Huntington Beach State Park, (short drive from the beach at Pawleys Island, SC) became the highlight of a recent winter stay — thanks to the watchful eyes of photographer Bill Angell and his supportive wife Janice. The two of them met us at Huntington on a morning unusual even by Bill’s standards for the number and variety of native birds. The morning appointment with Bill was the idea of housemates Courtney and Carolyn Pearre from Nashville who wanted to link up with this master photographer known by many (including us) via the “I Love Pawleys Island” Facebook page.
On that site, Bill (almost daily) treats his followers to exquisite shots of the birds of Huntington Beach — egrets, cormorants, mergansers, pelicans and yes, even eagles — as he shows up early, snaps away and later adds his magic touch, producing shots to envy and love. And we wanted to see how he does it.
Huntington Beach is known for its camping spots, nature trails, a new boardwalk over the marsh, and Atalaya, the 1930s Moorish-style castle that was home to the Huntingtons who owned the land. But on that morning with Bill, we were interested only in finding birds. And the marsh did not disappoint! We landed squarely in bird heaven, the wetlands known for nature of all kinds — from alligators to sea turtles and, of course, birds — who obviously flock together.
Even Bill was amazed at the larger-than-usual number of birds and many species at Huntington that day, and he wasted no time in lifting his camera (no small feat!) and capturing waterfowl: birds resting on still waters, birds nesting, birds in flight, and birds skidding to a stop where, no doubt, breakfast was waiting below.
As you can see, his photos are superb — clear shots, rich details, and authentic color. For a budding photographer like myself, it was like watching a master in action.
Often, he would stop us mid-sentence, if he saw a bird taking flight or coming in for a landing. Then, intensely focused and clicking away, Bill took one shot after another with speed and accuracy. Afterwards, he would turn his attention back to us and apologize for interrupting our conversation, but we got it: he loves what he does and does what he wants to capture the best at Huntington Beach.
Mostly, the four of us just stood and stared both at the birds and at Bill. But I wanted to try my luck at photographing a few feathered friends myself. I’m nowhere near Bill in terms of skill, but I can see how I could get addicted to frequent trips to Huntington (yes, they sell annual passes) and early-morning visits to the marsh. Like the old saying goes: “To get the handsome prince, you have to kiss a lot of frogs.”
I put my camera on burst mode and fired away, hoping at least one of every 30 or so would be a good one.
If you’re visiting Georgetown County, South Carolina, put Huntington Beach State Park on your itinerary. You’ll want to spend a day or two there, especially if you’re like we were with Bill — glued to the bird sanctuary for hours! You may also be in the market for something else — a bird identification book — if you’re a true novice, as I am, at telling an egret from a heron and anything in between.
Our thanks to Bill Angell and his wife Janice for their passion, insight, and inspiration on a winter’s day at Huntington Beach. And we hope you, too, will visit the birding haven, eyes wide open.
Travel with your eyes to the skies,
Rusha & Bert
For more information on Bill Angell’s photography, check out these sites:
Photographs on SmugMug: https://billangell.smugmug.com/
A 2020 Lookback on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I8xEoTlumY
Bill Angell Photography on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billangellphotography/
For more information on Huntington Beach State Park: https://southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach
Photo at top: An osprey catching a fish by Bill Angell
ponzoblogs
Sadly because Covid I can’t Travel anymore for my blog that I just started. Feels really sad that I have to wait before planning a new travel journey 😦
Oh, the Places We See
You might try writing about your surroundings — your treasures, special places in your home or yard, your memories. Remember that people don’t know you yet, so give them something that is uniquely you.
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Anne Sandler
Beautiful images!
Toonsarah
Bill’s photos are excellent but you should be very pleased with your efforts too – you have some really good captures. I would love to do this if ever in the area – I enjoy trying my hand at bird photography although I’m not expert and don’t have fancy big lenses!
Oh, the Places We See
It’s just fun to be out there watching the birds! I can see why people buy annual passes. Thanks for the compliment on my photos. I keep trying, but I may be at a plateau. I’m not buying more equipment, so I’m trying to be satisfied with what I’m getting on my trusty old camera! Happy New Year!
Anonymous
The birds are amazing. I can’t wait for my next visit to PI. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, the Places We See
You’ll love the beach at Pawleys AND the birds at Huntington Beach. It’s all good.
Green Global Trek
Ohh what a magnificent slice of paradise and the photographs both his and yours are all truly magnificent. We are birdwatching neophytes but oh we do love to see any wildlife in their natural habitat and how inspiring it is when there are such a variety of types of birds to see. Wonderful.
Peta
Oh, the Places We See
It was a bonanza day at Huntington Beach. A bird convention, if you will.
Anonymous
I’m impressed, Rusha. Bill’s photos were magnificent, as expected, But so were yours. Great shots! Thanks. –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
I’m working on photography, but I’ll never be great. Sometimes I just love the act of focusing and paying close attention to what’s in front of me. That’s the beauty of travel photography for me. And I remember details better, too. Happy New Year!!
Neal Atherton
What stunning shots. We have a nature reserve for bird watching within walking distance with plenty of birds but not quite so exotic. We have an egret there – just one, but it does stay most of the year. Hope you manage to find ‘Places to see’ next year once more – maybe. 😊😷
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for your comments. This place was teeming with birds just waiting to have their pictures made! I was happy to accommodate them!! Best wishes fir a wonderful new year!
WanderingCanadians
Lovely shots! Seems like Huntington Beach State Park is a great spot for birdwatching.
Oh, the Places We See
We will definitely be returning!!! (Now, I need a bird book more than ever.)
kzmcb
They truly are awe-inspiring shots. I’m starting to think that the bigger the telescopic lens, the clearer the shot.
Oh, the Places We See
I am thinking that same thought. But I may have to be content with a bit of fuzziness. I just can’t carry something that big around with me all the time. Some people do, though. I’ve seen a lot of these big lenses at national parks. Happy New Year to you!
Anonymous
It was our pleasure to share the morning with you. This is a wonderful article and we thank you for doing it. We look forward to the spring when we can do it again!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I can’t wait to return to Pawleys and spend a day or two at Huntington Beach again! Happy New Year!
Carolyn Pearre
Rusha, we love your post about Bill & Janice and our time with them in December! What a great site for bird lovers. Well done, my friend. Is it too early to make plans for the spring trip? Plans will help get us through these next months. LOL
C&C
Oh, the Places We See
Glad you like the post. It was fun sifting through all those photos, but it took a while. I had fun just snapping away. I’d love to plan for our spring trip, but actually I’d love to go in January, February or March, if we could swing it. Wanna go?
Grammy Writes
Wow, I want to take photos like that! Wonderful!
Oh, the Places We See
His photos are quite lovely. So much detail and clarity!!! Happy New Year to you. Stay safe.
maristravels
Lovely, nice start to the New Year.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. It’s always fun watching nature unfold. I just stood in awe looking at those birds! Happy New Year!