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
Two Great Blue Heron chicks are growing up fast in the skinny tree nest.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 10, 2026
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)
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)
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
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
Many of the leaves that turn have already dropped, but there was a bit of color in the tree line at the back of the marsh.
A Great Blue Heron looks rather small tucked into the grasses at the side of this canal.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 23, 2025
Just hanging around with nothing to do, this Great Blue Heron stood like a sentinel at the edge of a pond. He stayed in this spot as Ted and I walked by to look around the pond and was still there when we passed back by an hour later.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 13, 2025
A GBH wading around the edge of a small pond, slowly and deliberately, watching for movement of a snack.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 1, 2025
The repairs to the dike between the boat pond and the Ashley River at Magnolia Plantation have been completed. The water level is back up and some wading birds have started to feed at the edges. I was busy watching a Snowy Egret when this Great Blue Heron landed near me.
Pretty soon he dropped down into the pond.
His one attempt at catching some lunch yielded nothing.
He didn’t stay long…maybe the grass was greener on the other bank.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
May 19, 2025
