I  frequently see Cattle Egrets in my local travels at some small farms with cattle, horses and goats. This is the first time I’ve seen one up close at any of the swamp / marsh areas in South Carolina.

Slightly smaller than a Little Blue Heron, I wasn’t surprised when he disappeared from my sight in the tall vegetation. After poking around a bit he stuck his head up for a look.

He moved to some shorter vegetation along the edge of the pond and I was able to get to a better angle.

Finally he stood fully upright showing off his golden head, neck and chest feathers.