Nothing more ‘Southern’ than Magnolia trees in the spring.

Throw in a hint of Spanish Moss in the background…

Doesn’t get much better.
Found on a walk.
The second photograph, from a different angle with an intruder.
Click here to view the first published photograph.
I have fallen behind on my images from the Soldiers Ground. These were all taken February 20, 2021.
Above is the open, full grounds. Many of the head stones here are of the ‘Unknowns’.
One of the ‘Bonny Blue’ flags that recently appeared.
There are head stones in this section from multiple different States. Since they were interned here I assume they died nearby.
On the edge of this military cemetery is a monument dedicated to local soldiers who were killed in the Civil War battle at Gettysburg, PA.
This was the largest and most costly battle with approximately 50,000 casualties. It was also the turning point of the war.
The remains of the South Carolina regiments were returned after the war and buried here in Magnolias Soldiers Ground.
Around the cemetery the year 1863 is the most common date. The day after Gettysburg a second battle at Vicksburg, MS was ended. Another confrontation with a large number of casualties.
The boys were out trying to impress the ladies. Also there was a fair amount of arguing among them too.
At this point a few females were paying them some attention.
All shot with a shorter general purpose lens so no close up action shots. These were taken with a Tamron 18-400, but most likely around 300mm to stay in the ‘sweet spot’.
There are a few Great Blue nesting trees that face the swamp edge. It’s a favorite spot for nest materials (except Moss, which is right over my head here).
This guy was sent out several times in a row for more sticks.
While not the best spot for big branches, small twigs to keep the female happy are easy here.
We picked a spot where there are two cinder blocks that make a seat to just sit and keep shooting. The small blocks have been there for years and we keep them ‘tidy’ to use each spring.
Eventually the Heron gets lost in the thick reeds, but he does come flying out…with luck where we expected him.