Dikes out in the large marshes have tall grass on either side now. Tall, understatement since they can be 10 feet (3 meters) high. However, there will always be openings and a few trunks to let water flow underneath feeding the dike and marsh systems.

The trunks can be seen as you walk, the ground has only dirt across the trail there. You always approach a trunk slowly, anything can be there on top or below.

And there was… two young Black-crowned Night Herons out exploring their new world. At this age they still freeze before flying off. Giving them some space allows time for quick shots while they consider what to do next.

Above you can see this one still has some ‘fuzz’ on his head.

Taking a few shots, I slowly backed up and away to keep them from flying.

Ellen was coming up from behind, I signaled we had company, she slowly moved forward and was rewarded with some photographs too.

This marsh is the same size as the city limits of Washington DC. Few people visit in the area at the same time, and may not glimpse each other if they do. One of those ‘never know what you will find’ places.

ACE Basin, South Carolina.