Category Archives: Wading Birds

Reptiles, Wading Birds

Great Egret and Alligators at the Base of Spoonie Tree

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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.

Great Egret, Two Alligators
Great Egret, Alligator snout

I moved along the dike and got a couple more views, not seeing those massive Alligators until looking through my pictures at home.

Great Egret, Two Alligators
Great Egret, Two Alligators

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.

Great Egret, Two Alligators
Great Egret, Two Alligators

Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 12, 2026

Wading Birds

Wood Stork, Chick and Parent

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The adult Wood Stork didn’t move much, changing from left facing to right facing just once while I was watching.

Wood Stork Adult and Chick
Wood Stork Adult and Chick

The chick tried all kinds of positions from having his legs bended beneath him in the first image to upright…

Wood Stork Adult and Chick
Wood Stork Adult and Chick

… to the full tall stretch.

Wood Stork Adult and Chick
Wood Stork Adult and Chick

Their bodies are roughly the same size, but you can see the youngster doesn’t have the full tail or beak length yet.

Wood Stork Adult and Chick
Wood Stork Adult and Chick
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
June 6, 2026
Wading Birds

Great Blue Heron Just After Sunrise

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The sun had been up long enough that this Great Blue Heron might already have had his breakfast. The pond was teeming with fish so he certainly had opportunity.

Great Blue Heron Short Hop
Great Blue Heron Short Hop

I thought he might keep fishing but he decided to move along.

Great Blue Heron Short Hop
Great Blue Heron Short Hop

Although it was just one flap of his wings…

Great Blue Heron Short Hop
Great Blue Heron Short Hop

… and a gentle landing.

Great Blue Heron Short Hop
Great Blue Heron Short Hop

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026

Wading Birds

Tricolored Heron Chicks

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It is sometimes hard to tell where one chick ends and the next one starts with all that fuzz.

Tricolored Heron Chicks
Tricolored Heron Chicks

I was sure there were two Tricolored Heron chicks and possibly a third …

Tricolored Heron Chicks
Tricolored Heron Chicks

…then it was confirmed: triplets!

Tricolored Heron Chicks
Tricolored Heron Chicks

Another angle with one of the parents providing protection while busy grooming. Number three had tucked back down.

Tricolored Heron Chicks
Tricolored Heron Chicks

Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
June 5, 2026