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
I hoped to see the sun rise this morning, a nice late 7:40 am. Daylight Savings Time ends on Sunday and we go back to having to get up at O’dark thirty to get out anywhere to see that spectacle.
Instead an odd high fog kept the sun hidden until after 10:30. In the meantime, there were plenty of birds flying around, including a few Roseate Spoonbills that seemed to be at odds about where to land.
This one finally chose the already occupied frame of an old duck blind.
Nailed the landing.
The Snowy Egret pretended not to notice.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 11, 2022
This canal runs along side an old rice field impoundment and on this morning it was hopping with little fish.
A Snowy Egret was showing off how to catch breakfast while keeping your wings dry.
They swallow as they go so it’s hard to say if he was successful.
Let’s try this again…
Drag your toes in the water… then a face plant…
Then liftoff!
The Alligator was just a bonus.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area, SC
September 14, 2022
Aerobatic skill, a la Snowy Egret. These are from January…not much I can say about them but it sure was fun to watch.
Black Point Wildlife Drive, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, FL
January 31, 2022
A few wading birds were strolling through oyster beds revealed by the outgoing tide. It made a nice scene for me, while waiting for the ferry to Bulls Island.
Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, SC
July 24, 2022
Snowy Egret show off.
You’ve heard “no one likes a show-off” … I’m not sure that’s true when it comes to nature.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, FL
April 13, 2022
Now what turned into some beak clacking.
Size isn’t everything, but sometimes it helps.
Finally the Tricolored Heron made a full body move…
…pushing the Snowy Egret off his perch.
The Tricolored Heron got tangled up in the palm fronds for a few seconds, but not apparent damage.
Territorial Dispute: Snowy Egret vs Tricolored Heron, Part 1
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, FL
April 13, 2022
Get back!
No, you get back!
We’re both back, now what?
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, FL
April 13, 2022
