A white Great Egret, on a light background, can only make a good monochrome image if there is minimal ‘clutter’.
I keep learning that the hard way.

However, when the pieces fall together the results can be rewarding.
This is one of those places where you can shoot over and over, and get something different every time.
While there are no physical boundaries there are multiple sections within the cemetery. The stones and obvious age make it clear.
The ‘rust and ruin’ give this place a special character.
Scenes from Magnolia Cemetery, Charleston, South Carolina.
As usual I will wait for others to ID the ‘critter’.
I don’t know if it matters but this one was photographed on the edge of a Tupelo and Bald Cypress swamp.
As with most of his cousins he kept returning to his favorite perch. I did not have a heavy long lens so I was able to wait him out. My arms were up to the task.
At this particular swamp there are a few places you need to step up to the waters edge and look down when searching for subjects.
Ha, guess I found one even if not what I expected.
Something must have been living in holes under the bank here. This guy was interested in finding out what it was. He was digging a hole in the mud.
I looked down, he looked up.
While watching me he pushed back into the water a step or two. He was still interested in the ‘thing’ living under the bank.
I just took a few shots and leaned back. We both went about our business.