Tag Archives: Great Egret

From The Frying Pan…

July 5, 2023 Ellen Jennings 4 Comments

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.

This Great Egret tried landing at the top of this tree, but was quickly got the vibe that he should move on from the other occupants.

No worries, just drop down to the next level…

Here’s a spot…

He wasn’t welcome here, either, as the Great Blue Heron was facing off with a pair of Great Egrets to the right.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 16, 2023

Wading Birds

Great Egret, Marsh Grass

July 1, 2023 Ellen Jennings 1 Comment

This Great Egret was patrolling the marsh grass not too far from where I spotted the Green Heron Dropping Into Marsh in yesterday’s post. Quite a bit taller, and of course bright white, he was easier to spot.

Shem Creek Marsh, Mount Pleasant, SC
June 22, 2023

Wading Birds

Ballet Over Water, And a Tango

March 8, 2023 Ellen Jennings 6 Comments

This series was taken just after the sun came up a few weeks ago.

There were long shadows on the pond and the light was changing rapidly.

Two to Tango: A brief territorial spat…

While one Great Egret circled around…

…the other opted to fly off.

Great Egret Hovering Over Pond and Alligator — Great Egret Flying Off and Alligator Swimming By

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 23, 2023

Wading Birds

Ballet Over Water: Great Egret

March 6, 2023 Ellen Jennings 4 Comments

I only know from watching a successful try at this hovering maneuver that this Great Egret’s intention was to catch a fish.

Nothing caught his eye on this pass and he never touched the water. After about a four second hover he flew to a tree.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
March 5, 2023

Wading Birds

Great Egret With Fish

March 2, 2023 Ellen Jennings 1 Comment

I didn’t see this Great Egret drop into the water on this trip. And it sure is tough to see how he knew the fish was there in all that duck weed.

I’d watched him make some unsuccessful passes just touching his feet to the water, but this trip was a winner!

Back to his starting point he went…

…a nice graceful landing onto the unoccupied ramp.

He stood there holding the fish for a minute or so before he swallowed it.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
February 23, 2023

Wading Birds

Wading Bird Frenzy

December 7, 2022 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

Earlier this fall I mentioned that the water was being drained from the big rice field pond at Magnolia in preparation for burning the invasive cattails. Conditions to start the fire didn’t come together before the approach of a late season hurricane and with the potential for damage to the dikes from a storm management decided to let the water back in.

This past week they decided to try again. One of the staff told me they hope to burn by the end of December. In the mean time, wading birds have gathered to take advantage of easy feeding in the shallow water.