Monthly Archives: December 2019

Birds, Charleston, Heron, Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

Great Blue, Marsh In Flight Series

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This series is one of those where knowing, and being, in the right spot made all the difference. While we shoot a lot of birds in flight there still are not many where the light, location, and distance is all great at the same time.

These images are best viewed large.

Great Blue, Marsh In Flight
Great Blue, Marsh In Flight

Ellen walked ahead of me on this dike to shoot the Heron fishing. I waited behind since if the bird flew there were two places I knew he would go. I was fairly sure he would go straight down the marsh, but the other option was my spot.

He came to me.

Great Blue, Marsh In Flight
Great Blue, Marsh In Flight
Great Blue, Marsh In Flight
Great Blue, Marsh In Flight

I could not have been better placed.

Great Blue, Marsh In Flight
Great Blue, Marsh In Flight

Even though he knew I was there the distance between us was enough to make him comfortable.

Great Blue, Marsh In Flight
Great Blue, Marsh In Flight

Lately the Great Blues have been very active. The issue now is with so many opportunities to select a limited number to publish.

Black and White, Charleston, Historical, Landscape, Monochrome, This and That, What I Saw

Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina

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One of the oldest and prominent streets in Charleston, South Carolina. It is known for its wealth of historic buildings.

During the 1700s, the eastern portion of Broad Street was occupied solely by merchants and craftsmen until the “Four Corners of Law” (Federal Courthouse and Post Office, the County Courthouse, City Hall, and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church) were built on their respective corners of Broad and Meeting Streets. The collection of buildings transformed Charleston into a legal and financial capital.

The wealthiest families lived ‘South Of Broad Street’. The rich plantation owners lived there,  but people outside the city began referring to their relatives as the “SOB’. You figure LOL.

Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina
Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina

This spot was also part of the original wall which protected the city from the Spanish in St. Augustine, Florida.

John Rutledge House, located at 116 Broad Street, holds a second floor drawing room where several drafts of the United States Constitution were written. At that time Charleston was the wealthiest city in the US.

 

Birds, Charleston, Heron, Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

Walking On Water, Little Blue Heron

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Well, almost walking on water. Fall means there are some water plants that take over the surface of swamps and ponds. I have been told it may be some type of water chestnut. Sounds good to me.

Walking On Water, Little Blue Heron
Walking On Water, Little Blue Heron

These are tall birds, but weight hardly anything. Their big (enormous) feet grip everything.

Walking On Water, Little Blue Heron
Walking On Water, Little Blue Heron

The water is shallow so a slip means little.

I’m not sure how they see prey but they slowly work away and seem to catch plenty of small ‘slippery things’.

Birds, Heron, Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

Great Blue Heron, Profiling

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Profiling, it’s a posture typically done to make the animal appear larger than the are. Many species do this.  Alligators are known for this aggressive behavior.

Great Blue Herons are another that use the trick often.

Great Blue Heron, Profiling
Great Blue Heron, Profiling

Above is the start of a Heron begin a profile. He is not rigid, or throwing his head up yet. However the tense position shows he is up to something.

Great Blue Heron, Profiling
Great Blue Heron, Profiling

He was also walking towards open water…with a purpose.

Great Blue Heron, Profiling
Great Blue Heron, Profiling

Above is getting to a true profile. Marching along head up high. It’s a challenge move.

Great Blue Heron, Profiling
Great Blue Heron, Profiling

And here is the reason why. Another Great Blue is in space our friend considers his. Territory and impressing a mate are the main reasons for profiling.  Above the other Heron is looking away which can calm the situation.

It’s rare for two Herons to actually fight, noise and flapping wings is considered a fight. Herons and Egrets, that is different. And not pretty.