A classic Heron shot, the fall marsh colors made for a nice soft background.
The wildlife areas are quiet late fall and winter. Even the Alligators start to lay low, and this is one of the most densely populated areas in the country.
This will be a little slow for about 2 months. However, you will always find plenty of wildlife to photograph.
We’re just spoiled.
This time of year the Tricolored Herons can actually be seen in the tall grass. It’s a quick detour just to stop here and for now the smaller Herons are around.
This is also the only direction you can shoot in the morning now. Sun comes up right over the water and it is blinding.
Bear Island, South Carolina.
These Night Herons were young, the youngest looking around for small crabs was just learning to be on his own.
I make this point because there are two different species, but at this age with their ‘camouflage’ it’s tricky to tell at first glance.
Black-crowned Night Heron
Shorter neck and bill. Their head is shaped a little more elongated.
The beak is slightly darker and they have a green tint to the lore. In generally the more ‘compact’ of the two.
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
This one was in the canal at low tide looking for small crabs. The bill is darker, head circular, and chest pattern different.
The Yellow-crowned here was younger, and in a bad placement for me so I give this caveat… there’s not much difference yet so it’s a ‘best I can do’ ID.
The last image here makes me a little confident a baby Yellow-crowned. Adults of both species are completely different.
ACE Basin, South Carolina.
Most places in the Lowcountry have some type of pond or swamp. This includes cemeteries. Magnolia Cemetery has a lake in the center. I’m guessing it is an old rice field since this was originally the Umbra Plantation.
Very old trees, many Live Oaks with moss, line the bank. Black-crowned Night Herons nest and live in here year round.
It’s like a summer vacation rental for the Wood Storks. They nest and raise young in hidden spots, then spend the summer and fall away from the kids here.
Last resident I found in the thicket was a single White Ibis.
It appears more species have moved in here this year. Of course last year we were locked down so it’s a guess on my part.
No long lens this day. I pushed my walk around gear for these. It is nice to see an assortment like this so I went for the shots.
Charleston, South Carolina.
Looking down a dike road with a Great Blue.
Reeds, grass, and wild rice are all turning golden brown now.
Young Heron in a swamp, morning light.
Charleston, South Carolina.
Note; This photograph, as well as the three previous ones could have been combined as a single article. However, that would have taken planning.
They do everything with flair !
Another series of the Night Herons that have discovered the small crabs along the marsh canals.
This juvenile was hanging over the trunk waiting for the water level to change.
He moved around, but in the same tree. He didn’t even pretend to be hiding from me.
