This Little Blue Heron has just a few remnants of his juvenile white feathers. By next year’s breeding season he’ll be a full adult and completely blue.
Little Blue Heron
He seemed to have something to say, and I was expecting him to fly.
Little Blue Heron
What?
Little Blue Heron
I have no idea what caught his eye, but he did not fly.
Little Blue Heron
He did, however, give the sky a good look.
Little Blue Heron
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
August 20, 2023
These images were taken on a dull, grey morning, not the best light for far off action photos. But it was interesting, especially the Great Blue Heron’s behavior as I thought they were done nesting. He was defending his spot as if their were eggs or small chicks there.
Great Blue Heron Defending His TurfGreat Blue Heron Defending His TurfGreat Blue Heron Defending His Turf
Great Blue Heron Defending His TurfGreat Blue Heron Defending His Turf
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 16, 2023
These images were taken on a dull, grey morning, not the best light for far off action photos. But it was interesting, especially the Great Blue Heron’s behavior as I thought they were done nesting. He was defending his spot as if their were eggs or small chicks there.
This Great Egret tried landing at the top of this tree, but was quickly got the vibe that he should move on from the other occupants.
Great Egret Leaping From Tree
No worries, just drop down to the next level…
Great Egret Leaping From Tree
Here’s a spot…
Great Egret Breaks On
He wasn’t welcome here, either, as the Great Blue Heron was facing off with a pair of Great Egrets to the right.
Great Egret Into Kerfuffle
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 16, 2023
While watching a group of wading birds feed I kept hearing a clacking or crunching noise. I checked the Alligators, as I’ve seen them catch dinner plate sized blue crabs in this pond then crunch-crunch them…
Wood Storks
Then I spotted it: the two right hand birds in this group of Wood Storks was doing some beak clacking or snapping. I couldn’t tell if it was all beak on beak, or if the individuals were also clapping their own beaks. Either was it was a pretty dramatic sound effect.
Wood Storks
The behavior didn’t appear to be aggressive and I don’t know if it had some breeding implication.
Wood Storks
A couple of the others just went on with their preening, the two on the right had a long look at the sky, then it was over.
Wood Storks
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
April 2, 2023
