This Little Blue Heron was working really hard to separate a twig from a vine tangle.

And not having much success.

Hmm, maybe we need another plan.

Plan B was also not successful.

Oh, did you see that?

This Little Blue Heron was working really hard to separate a twig from a vine tangle.

And not having much success.

Hmm, maybe we need another plan.

Plan B was also not successful.

Oh, did you see that?

I came upon this Little Blue Heron inspecting the fluted trunk of a Cypress Tree.

Ah, a small frog snack.

In typical heron fashion the bird carried his prey around, squeezing tight.

Then, one gulp and it was gone.

Back and forth, this Little Blue Heron was working the perimeter of a small pond.

We’ve had a tremendous amount of rain the last ten days and water is pushing up and even overflowing many pond edges, giving these birds the shallow water they prefer for hunting.

Add that it was a bit warmer and thousands of minnows were zooming around in the water and the Little Blue had a great hunting ground. Even with all that bounty he was slow and methodical, sticking to his process.

Success!

At the darkest point of winter the end of my favorite pond where much of the Great Blue Heron nesting activity is in shadows while the Herons are still working at attracting mates.

The White Ibis wasn’t impressed with the song and decided to move on.

The GBH remained hopeful, long feathers up.

I moved a bit further on, and the ritual began again.

January 3, 2021
A Little Blue Heron sizing up a cherub statue …who can stand still longer?

The Little Blue Heron blinked.

A wider view of the Long White Bridge, the cherub reflecting underneath.

November 2020, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens
Charleston, SC