Category Archives: Egret

Wildlife, Birds, Heron, Egret, Swamp, Marsh, Charleston, What I Saw

Getting Serious, Heron, Egret

March 24, 2019 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

They are starting to live closer to each other. Prime nesting spots are hard to find. The Great Blue Herons are always there first and protect the location and small young.

I caught this series as the Great Egret pushed closer and closer to the Heron. Egrets may be the biggest danger to small Heron chicks. The adult Heron, while a docile species, will attack if threatened.

The following photographs are a good example of aggressive behavior in these rookeries.

Above, the Great Egret was inching closer to the Heron nest. Finally the Heron stood and warned the Egret to move away.

Egrets are usually the aggressor and will fight back.

The Heron had been pushed by the Egrets for some time and ultimately attacked.

Above the Egret wisely backed off. The Heron had the high ground, was protecting young, and is bigger.

This time the Heron won the day.

Egrets are nesting in this tree below the Heron so this will be an ongoing battle.

I was pleased to be able to capture this series from start to finish (there were other shots, too many to include). You need to be in the right place at the right time. I was, this time.

Birds, Charleston, Egret, Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

Getting All Fluffy, Egret

March 23, 2019 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

All birds have this ‘thing’ about their feathers being in perfect order.

I’m assuming it keeps them clean, along with the preening they do all day.

Of course it’s also mating season, maybe it’s like weari g your best shirt.

Birds, Charleston, Egret, Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

A Quick Snap Shot, Egret

March 23, 2019 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

This is a quick shot grabbed as the bird came in front of me. It was fast since the bird flashed into a small space that I had for an open view. Branches and moss blocked me everywhere else.

For the finished image I lowered the colors which helped soften the photograph.

Birds, Charleston, Egret, Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

A Quick Trip Through A Swamp, Egret

March 22, 2019 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

I’m not sure where I was in a swamp when I shot this. It is not a place I would choose myself.

My guess is I was standing near the marsh area where Egret feed and look for sticks.

The reeds and brush in the background are thick and over power the image. I much prefer working for a spot with a darker, or open, water behind.

Not that the Great Egrets help one way or the other.

Birds, Charleston, Egret, Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

Dedication, Great Egret

March 22, 2019 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography 2 Comments

Not having a mate didn’t slow this Egret. He went about building the nest himself.

Males will pick the spot, start, and a female will eventually like what he’s done.

He still needs to have his mating dance moves though.

Alligator, Birds, Charleston, Egret, Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

Why I Shoot Wide, Egret

March 21, 2019 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

I had pulled back my lens, as I often do, to catch the full flight of this Great Egret.

The images turned out to be a nice example of keeping perspective in the photographs. There can always be something to show off what it is like in their swamps.

Above we have the Spanish Moss in the frame and below the Egret is an Alligator floating by.

Cypress trees usually are draped in the Moss and their distinct shape adds interest.

The Alligator remained in background. By itself, not in a series, the surrounding area still makes each individual image stand up well.

This same birds flight gave a whole new look when climbing up to the nest. Trees, woods, and resting Cormorants now provide background.

Anyway, this is why I like to shoot a little wider than other photographers.

Birds, Charleston, Egret, Marsh, Swamp, Wildlife

Stretching After Sitting All Day

March 21, 2019 Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography Leave a comment

This bird was just replaced by the mate after standing guard on the nest all day.

They did not have eggs but the nest location will be stolen by others if they leave it alone. Anhingas take all the sticks for their own nests when they can.