The Skinny Tree saga continues as a pair of Great Blue Herons were busy working on the nest last week.
The male didn’t waste much time between trips fetching nesting material like they sometimes do.
Look closely and you can see the tree is still alive, a few branches have green leaf buds.
There may be eggs, too, as the female spent a lot of time laying down while her mate was on material runs.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 5, 2023
After some other Great Blue Herons had completely deconstructed the nest on the skinny tree last week another one is giving it a try.
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 23, 2023
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 19, 2023
It seems that the Great Blue Heron couple have abandoned nesting at the Skinny Tree sometime in the last week.
Another enterprising GBH spent a couple hours on Tuesday removing material from what had appeared to be a robust nest.
This heron’s nest is just at the other end of the pond, in the big island.
He made lots of trips mostly with small branches while I was watching.
Of course it is not theft to them, it is taking advantage of easy pickings.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 31, 2023
A Great Blue Heron minding the nest on the Skinny Tree.
The heron flew to the end of the pond and I waited 15 -20 minutes for it to return, with hopes of a flight image. Finally I moved on.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 24, 2023
A Great Blue Heron took a few moments to rearrange some nest material.
It was rather breezy, making his feathers dance.
This nest looks pretty sturdy and ready for a new family. I’ve seen nesting activity and some mating going on, but no sign any eggs have been laid yet in the easily seen nest sites.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 24, 2023
A Great Blue Heron starting to show some of the colored lures around his eye of breeding season was on a mission to gather sticks for his nest.
He went at a steady pace past some Coots.
Then he veered just a little before he turned away from me on his mission.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
January 18, 2023
…before the day’s light is done
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Florida
January 16, 2023
Actually just a snack or appetizer for this one.
And with lots of patience–I was about to move on when finally…
he pounced!
Look close, yes he had success.
Then carried it to shore before swallowing, taking no risk of losing it back in the green depths.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 9, 2023
Great Blue Heron with a sparkly swamp background.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 9, 2023
