A little breeze was making the golden rod dance changing the framing around the Great Blue Heron’s head…
and making his head feathers stand up.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 23, 2026
Great Blue Heron, Golden Rod
Tag Archives: Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron On Alligator Ramp
This Great Blue Heron was standing in the road when I photographed the Wood Ducks In a Row. When he spotted me he flew to an alligator ramp in the pond.
Vegetation around the pond has the look of autumn, many plants have gone to seed, leaves are turning brown and falling over.
“Did you get my good side?”
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 11, 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 Blue Heron Just After Sunrise
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
Great Blue Heron Take Off
I watched this Great Blue Heron just standing around in the swamp, stock still as herons often are when they hunt.
Then a few stealthy steps through the duckweed followed by a big wing flap!
One good downstroke and he was off with a clean exit from the water.
His legs got into the action, almost like running on water.
Then he glided to a landing just out of my view, where presumably the hunting would better.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 4, 2026
Great Blue Heron Chicks
Two Great Blue Heron chicks are growing up fast in the skinny tree nest.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 10, 2026
Great Blue Heron Pair, Prime Nest Site, Part 2
The male Great Blue Heron had just flown in with a stick which they placed at their feet.
They seemed indecisive about what to do next.
This nest isn’t going to build itself!
Finally he took off…
I waited at least twenty minutes hoping he’d return with more nesting material. The female did her part, keeping the spot occupied in case of interlopers.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 14, 2026
(Ted’s OM 100-400mm Lens)
Great Blue Heron Pair, Prime Nest Site, Part 1
This tree has been popular for GBH nest building over the years. This pair has staked a claim and I watched the male bring a stick.
The light reflecting off the leaf-less trees and Spanish Moss is harsh this time of year, and the pond was covered with bright green duckweed that reflected off the heron’s outstretched wings.
After alerting to his arrival the female watched more closely as he flew in.
From that angle he had a pretty long landing zone, and then a few hops to get to his mate.
Together they found the right spot for the stick.
Then they stood around, cozying up and him not rushing off for more nesting material. Evidently there is no urgency to get the nest ready.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 14, 2026
(Ted’s OM 100-400mm Lens)
Great Blue Heron on Branch
The marsh grasses were sporting their early winter, almost drab, look near the end of December.
This Great Blue Heron perched on the coveted spot on the Spoonie Tree as the sun went in and out that morning.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
December 25, 2025
Great Blue, Where Will He Fly?
When this Great Blue Heron took off from the pond corner I was hoping he would provide me a reflection opportunity in front of a gorgeous cypress tree. Alas, that was not the path he took.
Old Santee Canal Park, Moncks Corner, SC
December 4, 2025