A few Great Blue Herons have started their nesting rituals around the Ravenswood Pond rookery. This one was mostly showing off his snazzy neck and head feathers.
Great Blue Heron
Every few minutes he fully extended his neck and called, presumably for any listening potential mate.
Great Blue Heron Calling
Unfortunately the sun light was not at a good angle for exposure but the silhouette is unmistakable.
Great Blue Heron
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
December 24, 2023
The early morning sun made an interesting pattern across the sides of this walkway as a Great Blue Heron flew up.
Great Blue Heron Flying By Walkway
This pond is part of the new Dorchester County Ashley River Park and I suspect this GBH has taken the pond on as his own. He was very comfortable with human passerby and I saw him fly back and forth several times.
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
Every spring there seems to be one Great Blue Heron that hangs out on the edges of Ravenswood Lake, likely a chick from last year that for whatever reason didn’t become part of a pair for this year’s breeding season.
Great Blue Heron
Undeterred by humans passing by on the nature trail, this one prowls the banks.
Great Blue Heron
On this morning he appeared to be just looking around, not actively hunting.
Great Blue Heron
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 20, 2023
