I took these pictures 10 days ago, attracted by the bloom’s texture and the lime green color.
Plants throughout SC are in for a big shock tonight. It has been weeks since we have seen frost and a wide variety of plants are in full bloom. Our area is expected to drop to 27 F (-3 C) for several hours before the sun comes up tomorrow.
I’m not sure which nest this Great Egret was flying to–non of the occupants in view seemed to be greeting him.
Not a great view of the bird, but you can see how small the nest is compared to the size of the Great Egret and how precariously perched it looks in this image.
March 6, 2022
With a wingspan around five feet (1.5 meters) the Wood Stork is neat to watch land.
This one was looking for sticks to take to his nest, but first he had to negotiate a touch down.
On the down beat you can see the green-black highlights in his wing.
He did successfully land but did not find any of these twigs to his liking and quickly moved on.
March 6, 2022
Great Egrets’ primary nesting material is sticks. The males go back and forth fetching whatever loose stick or twig they can find around the rookery.
The female often makes a big display when he returns to the nest site.
It is common to see the pair work the stick into place together, although the female will continue to manipulate it after he leaves for the next piece.
In this last image you can see that this pair has a lot of work still to do before she lays eggs.
March 6, 2022
March 7, 2022
Great Egrets are starting to gather and show off some breeding behavior.
For reasons unknown they have chosen the denser, more distant trees at our local rookery over the closer and easier photographed options of previous years.
Still plenty of time to show off and room for more.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 2, 2022
Or, “How’s the water?”
