There’s not much for a bird to do once the nest has been made and the eggs have been laid. (I didn’t see eggs but the one Spoonbill laying down is a good indication that they are there. )
Just preen and wait if you don’t have egg duty.
Just snooze if you do.
Orlando Wetlands, Christmas, FL
February 11, 2025
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
After I posted Great Egret Chick Pair yesterday I remembered I had taken some pictures earlier this spring at their nest. They aren’t great images, but I thought interesting as part of yesterday’s story.
On April 29 the adult was laying on the nest, presumable incubating eggs. At that point based on previous years’ outcomes I didn’t have much hope for a productive nest.
Then on May 17th I discovered the chicks had not only hatched but grown enough to be visible.
I’d say a week to ten days old as a guess.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 29 and May 17, 2022
It was the shape of the tree that caught my eye, from a few posts ago. Turns out, working through my images from that day I had some other shots.
Here’s a wider view.
There were several Osprey flying around.
This one was watching the water but I never saw him dive.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
It was the shape of the tree that caught my eye, reminding me of a carved finial. The Osprey nest that looks like a straw hat was secondary. It was early and not much light, but there is an Osprey in the nest, the white on its head visible close to the tree trunk.
Orlando Wetlands, Florida
April 12, 2022
The early morning sun was glinting off this hive, which unfortunately was so high up I couldn’t get a sharper image.
I thought it was interesting with those lobes, and wondered if that was wax, or some sort of paper nest.
From the other side, if I had approached from the direction I probably wouldn’t have noticed it.
This last image is severely cropped, and not great detail, but notice how precise the cells are–an engineering marvel!
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
August 20, 2021
When I took these photographs I thought these were dried leaves in an arty configuration. On closer inspection at home, I think there may be more to it as they are too precisely shaped.
Here’s a slightly closer view. It was quite breezy that day which may be why I didn’t get a closeup shot
I’m hoping to return to this spot soon, and to remember to look. If I do and they are there I’ll follow up.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
February 3, 2012
