Look Both Ways
Tag Archives: Snowy Egret
Wading Bird Frenzy
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.
The alligator ramp in the upper right in the next photo would normally have water up to the lower end.
The Great Egret in the center caught a tiny fish, and a leaf.
It was a grey day so I didn’t get much contrast with all the white birds, but it was a fun show.
Perry Pond, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston SC
December 4, 2022
Snowy Egret Keeping His Feet Dry
Dry feet aren’t really a concern for wading birds, but this Snowy Egret was keen on balancing above the water rather than dropping in.
Check out his left foot…
… now grasping like a claw…
…while his right leg looks really awkward.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
November 12, 2022
Snowy Egret, Slow Walk
I almost always use the Canon’s spot metering mode when photographing white birds. Sometimes the result is even better than expected.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 24, 2022
Alligators Everywhere
The Alligators took advantage of the exposed mud as water drained out of the the big rice field pond.
And they found their way into a number of my wading bird images.
A wider view of the interior of the pond–all of those reeds are due to be burned off as soon as wind conditions are right.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 24, 2022
Snowy Egret and Grebes Feeding Together, 2
The Pied-billed Grebes and Snowy Egret kept moving along the edge of the pond, giving me better light on the water.
They continued back and forth for several minutes.
The Snowy Egret displayed a classic stalking move…
…then appeared to goose one of the Grebes.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 24, 2022
Snowy Egret and Grebes Feeding Together
A small flock of Pied-billed Grebes, which feed underwater on small fish and invertebrates, were following a strutting Snowy Egret.
The water was pretty shallow but it didn’t stop the Grebes from diving in the Snowy Egret’s wake.
The Snowy Egret was quick to take advantage of the prey the Grebes were stirring up.
As usual, the Snowy did like to be the leader of the pack.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 24, 2022
Everyone Has A Spot
The Snowy Egret and the Spoonbill took a break from harassing each other while the Great Egret was doing his own thing.
A closer look at the Alligators: it was warming up and they were looking for sunny spots out of the water.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 16, 2022
Snowy Egret Coming In
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 16, 2022
Move Along Great Egret
In another scene from dull Friday morning, a Great Blue Heron routed a Great Egret out of his spot.
A Snowy Egret watched, unmoved.
While the Great Blue Heron executed a perfect landing.
The Great Egret let out a few squawks and went on his way.
The big pond, Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 4, 2022