The old, and first, cemeteries in Charleston were created along the Cooper River in the northern end of the city. This was only swamp and marshlands in the early 1800’s. Parts still are.
Yellow-crowns have always nested here in the big Magnolias and Live Oaks while feeding in the marshes.
While usually hard to get a clear photo, late spring and summer they are out and active with nest building and raising young. These photographs were from a particularly productive Night Heron day, which doesn’t happen often.
Below I caught two sitting in the open on an old bridge that crosses a large cemetery pond. These two small Herons are about as much weight as the foot bridge will hold. Like all the old spots here, beautiful and showing a little age.
BTW, I was hiding in the brush for the bridge shot. grabbed a few and backed away. They would not stick around if the saw me move nearby.
Cooper River and old Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston SC.
Exceptional images. In your featured shot, he looks almost human.
Thank you very much. They have such an odd shaped head, it’s almost like a bird that has expressions. There are many similar posts here of Night Herons. Last count this site had 25,000 images. 😳😳. It helps that we moved to the Lowcountry. Wildlife and wild lands are everywhere 😄😄
Great series, Ted, love the second shot!
Thanks. This one was in a great spot.
Sorry I have not responded sooner. The web site doesn’t recognize you and is calling you either ‘someone’ or ‘anonymous’. With no name you are blocked, try following the site again with at least an email address and it might go through. Thanks, Ted.