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.
I thought he might keep fishing but he decided to move along.
Although it was just one flap of his wings…
… and a gentle landing.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
The Great Egret’s chosen landing spot was occupied, but it didn’t slow him down or cause him to alter his plan.
It worked out as the immature Snowy Egret just kept on walking, never turning his head.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
July 4, 2026
It is sometimes hard to tell where one chick ends and the next one starts with all that fuzz.
I was sure there were two Tricolored Heron chicks and possibly a third …
…then it was confirmed: triplets!
Another angle with one of the parents providing protection while busy grooming. Number three had tucked back down.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
June 5, 2026
The White Ibis were very busy gathering sticks for their nests in early June.
There were easy pickings under some trees at the edge of the wetland.
Then it was just a short flight up over the boardwalk to the nesting island.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
June 5, 2026
The abandoned pole this Snowy Egret is standing on lays in an outlet from the big pond at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area.
Wading birds do a lot of hunting here as the water flows out and fish get cornered up against the log.
Once this Snowy Egret spotted me he opted to watch from a further perch. Within a half hour most of that water will have drained, changing his fishing opportunities.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
June 21, 2026
Little Blue Herons look pretty snazzy as they transition from all white to all blue.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
June 21, 2026
A few Roseate Spoonbills had one corner of the pond to themselves.
The white birds seemed to be getting dirtier as they splashed around on a mud bar.
And there was a lot of coming and going, with birds dropping in from the trees on the left while others exited every which way.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
June 5, 2026
White Ibis have taken over a large section of one of the islands at Cypress Wetlands. Two weeks ago this was full of Wood Storks. From this raucous scene you can see why they might have moved on.
White Ibis working on his nest, flying over pond covered with duck weed.
White Ibis in breeding colors, washing his face.
