Carolina Chickadee, not a Black-capped Chickadee.
They look almost identical.
My method of ID is very simple…
they have a slow southern drawl to their song.
Technically there is a slight coloration difference. But really, where !!!
A few shots taken while out photographing a cemetery.
A pond along side the marsh is a resting spot for just about any type of critter in the area. Here it was a ‘semi-clean’ White Ibis.
More than most birds Ibis love mud.
Charleston, South Carolina.
This is one of the series we always look to catch. One of the mates returning to the nest after a long absence. It can be frustrating too.
At times there is action happening in other parts of the swamp, but you know he must return soon, it’s getting dark. Well, sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn’t.
This time he did and she was happy to see him.
They chatted back and forth for a while. I only see Herons do this.
Finally she gave him a hug. Yes, they will hug (wrap necks like above) after being separated. Again, common for Great Blues but have never seen another species do this.
After a bit it was back to household chores.
Charleston, South Carolina.
A Â solitary Heron caught at different times guarding the nest site.
Charleston, South Carolina.
Looking half asleep, even though he is balanced on top of a Bald Cypress tree. Be a bit tricky if the wind blows.
Taking a different approach to a classic Heron image.
I couldn’t ask for better shots for comparing Black-crowned Night Herons.
The bird on top, furthest away, is a juvenile bird. He is about half way to adult plumage. First year youngsters are all brown with stripes.
The closest bird is a full adult, breeding age. Very different than the younger one.
And just to show a little more, the adult did a stretch for us.
A little house keeping in a rookery.
Great Blue Herons.
