21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Birds rest on a lone tree in the surf during sunrise along Little Hunting Island, South Carolina

The battering of coastal weather has created a boneyard of trees in the Atlantic Ocean surf along South Carolina. Although the tree can no longer can protect the birds with its leaves, it still offers a place to rest above the churning waves. As a glowing sun rises over the ocean in the early morning hours the scene was peaceful and relaxing.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 04.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Hunting Island, South Carolina, United States of America
Camera: ILCE-6000
Copyright: © Carrie Hanrahan