Way up in a pine tree this fuzzy Barred Owl Owlet was drying off after a downpour.
One of his parents was over by the bamboo pond; I did not spot the other, but don’t doubt it was nearby.
Based on previous year’s experience we’ll soon be seeing junior closer to the pond to get hunting lessons.
A juvenile Little Blue Heron poked along the edge of a pond in between some Cypress knees looking for a meal.
He quickly swallowed a couple of small finds.
After a bit he flew up onto a bridge railing and showed off his mottled blue coloration. Sometime in their second year the Little Blues become fully blue.
His awkwardness gave the Carolina Wren away as a young ‘un.
His feet seemed a bit big for his body but boy could he sing like a seasoned pro.
Oops, leaned a bit too far.
Alligator ramps around the pond provide a fairly safe and dry spot for the Wood Duck ducklings to dry off and preen.
The Yellow-bellied Slider seemed oblivious to their occupation of his sunny spot.
Mama Wood Duck stayed in the water, patrolling for safety. Other times I have observed this there has been a Wood Duck drake nearby, also on alert, but I did not see one this time.
This family was up against the edge of the pond and I didn’t see them until mom had them underway.
I was hoping they would swim into a patch of sunshine.
They preferred a path through the shade.
That’s far enough!
If this juvenile Little Blue Heron’s presence was any indication this pond-side vegetation must harbor a lot of snacks.
Last spring I spotted him feeding here every time I passed by for several weeks in a row.
Step and poke, back and forth.
Success! A bird this size has to find an awful lot of small creatures to consume to survive– a full time occupation.
April 15, 2019
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
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
On March 8th I walked by the nest featured in my March 3rd post: It’s Twins, Eagles That Is!
I only saw one of the juveniles and didn’t spot an adult in the area. It’s a poor view and the lighting was bad. But it’s an Eagle!
On March 16th I went by and again only saw one juvenile. If anything, the lighting was worse. The trees around the pine are starting to leaf out making a clean view difficult.
One of the adults was perched on the other side of the nest. You can see the that the nest is big enough that the second juvenile could be there and not be seen.
I’ve been by this nest a few times this winter and not seen or heard any sign that it was occupied. I was quite surprised to see these two juvenile Bald Eagles peering out.
This is the nest from the other side. I’m guessing it is at least 50 feet (15 meters) off the ground.
I was not aware that one of the adults was there until looking at this images at home. Just above center in the middle of this image you can see the wing and part of the adult Eagle head.
Taken February 27, 2020
