This Juvenile Black-crowned Night-heron was wandering around on the trunk supports, perhaps thinking about nabbing a snack from the pond.
He seemed to be pretending he wasn’t being seen.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 8, 2026
This Great Blue Heron took a low pass over the water.
He was lifting up in the pre-landing posture…
Landing gear coming down…
Then, sometimes you miss photographing the most exciting part: the Great Egret was unceremoniously routed out of his spot and flew right out of the picture.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 8, 2026
There were a few single birds flying back and forth at the back of the big pond at Donnelley on Sunday.
And a number of Great Blue Herons tucked into the reeds.
The Great Egret turned, the Great Blue Heron never moved.
The marsh grasses have turned completely brown, but some of the scrubby bushes on the far dike and trees are holding on to their green.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 8, 2026
This Great Egret showed off his good side,
…his middle
… and his other good side.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 8, 2026
Black Point Wildlife Drive ends on Titusville Road, a two lane road that traverses Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. We had ended our first pass around the Drive, a bit disappointed we hadn’t seen many birds then spotted wading birds in some trees just off the road.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island, FL
February 25, 2026
A little breeze was making the golden rod dance changing the framing around the Great Blue Heron’s head…
and making his head feathers stand up.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 23, 2026
This Great Blue Heron was standing in the road when I photographed the Wood Ducks In a Row. When he spotted me he flew to an alligator ramp in the pond.
Vegetation around the pond has the look of autumn, many plants have gone to seed, leaves are turning brown and falling over.
“Did you get my good side?”
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 11, 2026
An old post in Magnolia’s boat pond is a coveted perch for the wading birds. This Great Egret took a turn as the sun burned off the early morning fog.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 16, 2026
I didn’t spot the Great Blue Heron from my previous post after he disappeared, but I found this Juvenile Black-crowned Night-heron in a photogenic pose.
A variety of wading birds frequent this group of trees on the tidal side of the dike. At full tide there are ample perching spots available to wait for the tide to recede and the marsh to reveal lunch.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 12, 2026
This Great Blue Heron was wandering around the back of my car as we returned from a walk on the dike.
I expected him to fly off, but he walked across the road, circled behind a tree and stealthily disappeared into the reeds.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 12, 2026
