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
Great Egret On A Post
Category Archives: Wading Birds
Juvenile Black-crowned Night-heron
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
Great Blue Heron in the Reeds
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
Great Egret and Alligators at the Base of Spoonie Tree
Wind was whipping up the water and bird feathers at Donnelly on Monday. This Great Egret was perched on the base of the now fallen Spoonie Tree.
I moved along the dike and got a couple more views, not seeing those massive Alligators until looking through my pictures at home.
I think of Alligators as wanting to stay out of the wind especially on a day below 75 degrees F (24 C) , but there were many laying around on the pond banks soaking up the sun.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 12, 2026
Wood Stork, Chick and Parent
The adult Wood Stork didn’t move much, changing from left facing to right facing just once while I was watching.
The chick tried all kinds of positions from having his legs bended beneath him in the first image to upright…
… to the full tall stretch.
Their bodies are roughly the same size, but you can see the youngster doesn’t have the full tail or beak length yet.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
June 6, 2026
Wood Stork, Getting A Snack
Only sometimes it turns out to be a dud.
Just open your beak…
…and drop it back in the water.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
June 6, 2026
Snowy Egret Hanging Out In the Spoonie Tree
A Snowy Egret doing what egrets do: stand, stretch, scratch and stare.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
June 21, 2026
Green Heron
Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, SC
August 5, 2026
Black-crowned Night-heron
A Black-crowned Night-heron is standing on bottom of the pond which is normally covered with about a foot of water. The water had been drained for some repairs to the dike.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
Tricolored Heron, Reflection
This Tricolored Heron was on the hunt for breakfast. He and the trees on the far side of the pond made a lovely water reflection.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026