For no particular reason this years initial Great Blue nesting images were done in B&W.
Well, one reason was the light on the nest and a nice blurred dark background in the swamp. It’s hard to get contrasts in an environment like this.
Two Great Blue Herons starting the breeding season.
I’m thankful several birds have chosen nearby Cypress Trees, I am able to get decent close in flight shots and stand in a comfortable spot in the swamp.
Neither of these Pelican seemed to mind me standing in the tall grass photographing. They could easily see me since I tend to find open gaps on the dikes. It’s a trade off. The birds spot me but I have a large area to follow in flight shots with nothing in front of my lens.
These two paddled by, almost in slow motion.
Taken on a trip to an old cemetery. I think this was the first time I realized just how many Night Herons were hiding in the area.
While it’s hard to get an open shot here the number of Night Herons makes up for it. At least that’s my logic… for now.
When you see an Alligator you automatically think of those big teeth.
What about those claws !!!
Waiting patiently.
Great Blue Heron, Charleston, South Carolina.
The Great Blue Heron is unique in that they are very expressive in their actions.
In this photograph the male flew off and did not return right away. The female has been guarding the nest all day and by now is hungry.
She is not happy and stood waiting and watching in the direction he left.
He did return later. But from a different direction. We were both surprised, and I missed the shot.
When one strolls by like this it’s hard not to take 100 shots, even if you know they will all look the same.
Big white bird against a background of evergreens.
Some day I will learn the name of all these trees. Very different from the ones up north, didn’t know their names either though.
