Last fall the land managers let this old rice field dry out and some vegetation flourished, then died back over the winter, leaving tall stalks and weed trees. Sometime over the winter water was let back in, and now covers the field.
The wading birds are happy to poke around looking for food, including this small flock of Wood Storks.
I thought they were coming back toward me, but they quickly did another u-turn and moved to the back of the field.
As I got out of the car there was a din of red-winged black birds and grackles: loud and harsh. I looked up to see what they were up to and there was a gorgeous Black-crowned Night Heron looking back at me, probably wondering what all the fuss was about.
This small pile of sticks doesn’t look like much of a nest.
Hopefully the male Great Egret is out gathering more material as this female (presumption on my part) guards the spot.
I walked a remote trail this morning along an old rice field canal and was happy to see a number of Green Herons. They were pretty skittish and I most were rear end views.
The majority of them were down closer to the water but this one was interested in something happening in another tree.
This is the same Heron as above, taken from the other side of the tree.
This nesting pair of Great Blue Herons gave an affectionate greeting when one returned to the nest.
This section of swamp is newly flooded this year. A small flock of Ibis has added it to their route, poking their way around it looking for food.
Ibis are never concerned about swamp junk getting stuck to them or how deep the water might be.
Here I come…
surely there is something to eat under this log.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens announced today that they are now closed until further notice. I will miss my peaceful walks in the woods and keeping up with the birds.
Another of the Great Egrets that are trying out new nest spots.
There would be plenty of support under this one, but right over the walking trail doesn’t seem like a good choice.
This Great Egret spent considerable time picking out this stick for his nest and finally took off.
He didn’t get far… I see something better!
Or a snack.
Snack swallowed and the stick hunting process starts again.
After picking up and discarding several options, he chose this modest stick to present to his mate.
March 18, 2020
A few Great Egrets have started nests in different spots this spring, including this one that is between the trail and the pond edge. Time will tell if this turns out to be a viable spot to raise Egret chicks.
With his black wing tips in full view a White Ibis flew past me.
Then he pulled up for a landing.
Wings back, he plunged into a tree, not quite the landing I was expecting.
