A Great Blue Heron flew to a high perch above the pond after feeding.
A storm was brewing in the distance, the GBH carried on preening.
Great Blue Heron, High Perch
Tag Archives: Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron Catching Fish
Great Blue Herons are known for stealthy, slow hunting.
This fellow defied the norm when he caught and swallowed three fish in a matter of two or three minutes.
The long feather sticking up is part of the breeding plumage.
He is likely eating for a family. The adults fly back to the nest then regurgitate the food for the chick(s).
It will take a lot of these little fish to sustain the adult and chicks.
Great Blue Heron Getting More Lunch
The fish from last Thursday’s post Great Blue Heron Getting Lunch was just an appetizer. The GBH continued to hunt along the edge of the pond and was rewarded with a much larger catch.
The heron carried the fish around a bit then…
…one gulp and the fish was gone.
Great Blue Heron Getting Lunch
Exhibiting the classic Great Blue Heron patience this fellow took a slow walk along the edge of a pond.
So slow he wasn’t even making a ripple in the water.
His patience, and mine, were rewarded.
Nesting Tree
The Great Egret showing off is surrounded by other nests in this “tree condo.” It’s a favorite spot because the tree is surrounded by water, reducing potential attacks from snakes and raccoons.
Two juvenile Great Blue Herons that hadn’t yet learned to fly were in their nest in front of the displaying Egret. In the layer behind there are at least two Great Egret nests and two Anhinga nests.
Taken last April, the trees had leafed out enough to make a lush surrounding, unlike when the Great Blue Herons start nesting and dull grey limbs are everywhere.
April 13, 2019
Great Blue Heron Up Close
This Great Blue Heron was looking stealthy. I was able to get down low and peek through the grass.
He was just off the walking path when I passed by and even from the far side I was close.
Great Blue Heron Hunting in a Stream
I was rather surprised to see a Great Blue Heron hunting in this outlet stream from one of the small ponds at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.
I’ve seen Green Heron here before, but never the larger birds in with this tangle of downed trees and brush.
His footing was a bit precarious and I didn’t see him catch anything. After a few minutes he flew to the pond where at least there was more room for him to maneuver.
February 11, 2020
GBH: Greeting At The Nest
I love to see the greeting sequence of the Great Blue Heron adult returning to the nest where his/her mate has been minding the home front.
Great Blue Heron Pair Greeting, the one on the left has just landedThey always take a few moments to interact.
Great Blue Heron Pair GreetingThe newly arrived mate has a look around, maybe counts the chicks and surveys for danger.
Great Blue Heron Pair with ChicksThen, the GBH that had been on the nest takes a turn away to feed and hopefully bring food to the chicks.
Great Blue Heron Adult On His WayApril 8, 2019
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
GBH Watching
Just over a year ago at the swamp nesting activity was in full swing as green became the predominant background color.
The GBH chick popped up for a look.
A wider view of Ravenswood Pond and the multi-nest tree: Great Blue Heron, three Great Egret, and at least two Anhinga nests.
April 5, 2019
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
Great Blue Heron, Overhead
As I was walking along towards the bamboo garden at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens I was quite surprised to see this Great Blue Heron.
This was in the middle of January. I didn’t see him or any other GBH there again over the next two months. If he was seeking a good nesting spot or food he must not have been satisfied.
