Two pairs of Great Egrets are nesting condo style, their homes less than two feet apart separated only by a small branch. This is a prized location, surrounded by water for extra safety from ground predators, so there was competition for the nest sites.
Their nests claimed, each pair went about its business this sunny afternoon.
The ritual is very similar to what I have observed with the Great Blue Heron pairs: bring sticks, re-arrange sticks, mate, bring sticks.
Squawking from the other nest is mostly ignored, a lot like humans living in close proximity.
Beautiful photos of beautiful birds!
Thank you, Rebecca. I hope we will get to see some chicks in a month or so.
Wonderful photos. So much activity in such a small space, must be amazing to see.
Thanks, Belinda. It’s a great problem to have when you need to choose between photographing the different birds. I watch some of the photographers that have been doing this for years be very selective with their shots; I’m not there yet and don’t want to miss anything!