Black-crowned Night-herons were nesting around Cypress Wetlands in their preferred denser nesting spots like this Bald Cypress tree. You can see one occupied nest up close to the tree trunk, and at least four other herons perched in the tree.
This heron was unsuccessfully trying to snap that attached twig for nesting material.
Others were tucked into quiet spots in thicker trees.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
March 31, 2026
Great photos! I love the photo of the pair side by side. And I’m really curious about the one testing the strength of the little branch – he has rubbed most of the bark off of it!
Thanks, Sam! That is curious, isn’t it! I may be completely wrong and there is another reason to rub a branch like that… dirty beak, tastes good, showing off… Unraveling bird behavior can be a challenge.
Nice Ellen, such a pleasant light in the tree from the sheer greenery.
Thanks, Hans! The Bald Cypress drop their leaves in winter and it is nice to see them in spring as they start to fill in again.
These are great. I have mentioned how we go in different directions at times. This is a good example of why. I never saw any of this 🥹. No duplicate photographs.
There was a lot to see that day!
Wonderful framing with branches and greenery and gotta love the “haircut” — these birds have so much character.
It was cool to see them before the trees fully leafed out, peaking into their world.