Tag Archives: Skinny Tree

Gadwall

February 19, 2020 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

A few Gadwalls have been hanging out at Ravenswood Pond for the winter. They have been pretty quick to move to the middle or far side of the pond if they sense any human activity. On this day this small group took their time passing by me.

They will be heading out soon on their spring migration.

This scene is looking the length of this rectangular, man-made pond. The “skinny tree” I sometimes mention is hosting a Great Blue Heron and can be made out on the right.

There is duck weed all around the pond and some other bright green pond vegetation has thrived on the right-hand side.

Wading Birds

Great Blue Herons, Nesting

January 20, 2020 Ellen Jennings 3 Comments

You may recognize the “skinny tree” as this GBH pair’s selected nesting spot. From a heron’s point of view it is a good location, surrounded by water.

They were starting from nothing as last year’s nest on this tree didn’t survive intervening storms.

The male had just brought a long stick, they mated, and then they took turns moving the stick around, so much so that I expected it to end up in the water below.

Despite their affectionate display I don’t think this pairing took. The male left and picked at some sticks across the pond but did not return. Eventually the female left, too. Sometimes they just leave to eat but don’t like to leave a started nest for interlopers so a committed couple takes turns. The next day six White Ibis were sunbathing here.

Landscape

The Skinny Tree, Down The Pond

December 9, 2019 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

Just as it was starting to rain and we were heading out a Great Blue Heron landed in the Skinny Tree. It was a long, soft shot, but I do like all the colors around the edge of the pond.

Great Blue Heron in Skinny Tree, Few Ducks in the Water

If you zoom in you’ll see that all of last year’s nesting material is gone from the tree. The GBH nest was where the Heron is standing; Great Egrets built three nests lower down, one on top of the Wood Duck box. I expect a Great Blue Heron pair will start building it up soon as this has been one of the prime nesting sites on this pond for many years.

Wading Birds

GBH Chick Wingercizing

April 27, 2019 Ellen Jennings 4 Comments

After checking that the danger had passed from the intruding Great Egret the Great Blue Heron chick fluffed his feathers back down to regular size.

Then he took the opportunity to wingercize, flapping his wings in preparation for learning to fly.

He didn’t lift off this time, but did do some single wing stretches to complete his work out.

Wading Birds

Scram, Great Egret, 2

April 26, 2019 Ellen Jennings 6 Comments

Either by instinct or from learning from a parent, this Great Blue Heron chick was defending himself from a Great Egret Intruder. This is the same nest in the Skinny Tree featured in Scram, Great Egret where the GBH adult was protecting his nest.

Great Blue Heron Chick Defending Himself

The chick made himself really big.

I suspect they’ve done this before and shortly the Great Egret went back to poking at sticks on the outer branches of the tree.

Wading Birds

Scram, Great Egret

April 20, 2019 Ellen Jennings 5 Comments

Incoming!

Which did not go unnoticed by the Great Blue Heron sitting on his nest.

And was’t going to be tolerated, either.

Great Egret Getting Chased Out of Nest Tree

March 22, 2019.

Landscape

The Skinny Tree: A Different Angle

April 19, 2019 Ellen Jennings 4 Comments

Trees around the pond are leafing out and the green is a welcome sight after the grey and brown of winter.

Skinny Tree with GBH and Great Egret Nests – click for a larger view.

Wading Birds

The Skinny Tree: A New Use

April 10, 2019 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

The “Skinny Tree” sees lots of wading bird occupants but this is the first time I’ve seen a potential nest builder check out the roof. In fact, the only bird I remember seeing perched on top was a King Fisher.

This Great Egret took a moment to scan the sky as a low airplane passed by. The Skinny Tree is only about 3 miles (5 KM) from Charleston International Airport and Joint Base Charleston so these birds get used to sharing the skies with all sorts of aircraft.

I’m not sure how this next image might display on your various devices due to its height, but wanted to show the levels. The Great Egret was really interested in occupying a nesting site in the trees branches, which are already occupied.

Occupied Skinny Tree, Great Blue Heron nest, Great Egret nest

In a broader and lower view I captured the Great Blue Heron driving a Great Egret away as he protected his chick, which can be seen next to the tree trunk behind the adult.

Water Birds

Fall Colors

September 8, 2018 Ellen Jennings 4 Comments

There is a touch of fall color in the “skinny tree” which earlier this year hosted one Great Blue Heron and several Great Egret families. Now the tree serves as an occasional landing spot for a passing bird.