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
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
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
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
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
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
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 16, 2022
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
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
November 4, 2022
While the Snowy Egret pretended not to notice, the Roseate Spoonbill hopped to the front of the old duck blind frame.
And two-stepped his way closer to the Snowy Egret.
Who may still have been pretending, but he slid a bit closer to the end.
And there they stood…for a few minutes.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 11, 2022
