The full breeding colors are not there yet but this Little Blue is certainly of the mating age. He will get a more magenta and deep purple shading.
There is an island in this swamp where Little Blues will nest along side the Great Blues. There was a more active small wading bird rookery down the trails but the wetlands has filled in.
I never did see what this one was catching. In winter I would think it’s small minnows.
Passing sticks, part of the Heron bonding.
I think it’s a match.
The series a always try to catch, one of the big Herons leaving the nest.
I have called it the ‘leap of faith’ in the past.
The Great Blue stands on the edge of the nest site, and with no hesitation jumps into the air.
Down below is a swamp, water, and Alligators. And they just lean forward and jump.
Inspecting last years nest site.
First the male picks a nest location, then the female picks a male.
Charleston, South Carolina.
This shot was taken when a Great Blue had dropped out of a Cypress to leave the swamp. Leaving in this direction a marsh or river is the likely destination.
Cool nights and warming mornings have been giving us some great opportunities the last few weeks.
Best viewed large.
This is close to home, meaning sleep a little later.
A Great Blue Heron sits in a nest looking over the swamp, both Blue-winged and Green-winged Teals swim underneath.
Not a bad way to start the day.
Heading into the darkest corner of the swamp… of course.
Great Blue Heron.
Great Blue Heron fishing at a marsh trunk.
He can say he never saw the sign.
