Working through a few images in the ‘to do’ pile and came across this.
Looks about to fall asleep.
I Think He’s Bored, Owl
Tag Archives: South Carolina
Juvenile Landing With Us, Heron
Not a usual article here, a quick video taken from my phone. If you view the video you will see why it was ‘quick’. I actually had to dig my phone out of my pack for this.
This fledging Great Blue Heron dropped down on us as we were on a larger rookery trail. I was focusing out on a nest, when the wind and flapping was dropping down arms length away. Being young all he did was check out this part of his new world. More curious than anything.
Eventually he figured out the take off part of flying and left us and the Alligators below.
NOTE; when viewing turn up sound and you will hear all the other swamp critters like insects, loud tree frogs, etc. We tend not to hear them anymore, it’s background noise.
White And Purple
Since this was growing among lily’s I guess it must be one too.
Time To Retreat, Alligator
Out numbered, and they are much bigger. It’s probably time to back off.
I’m guessing he still has a little time to make a plan though.
I Can Fly, But How Do I Get Back Now
I’m going to place these photographs in a gallery. I cut as many as possible, but I do need a few to show the story.
Above you see a baby Great Blue with a problem. He flew up in the air, 20 feet, and landed on a branch. That’s great except it was not a plan. Never is, it just happens.
Click, or double tap, any image below to view the gallery.
I Can Fly, But How Do I Get Back Now – click to enlarge
I Can Fly, But How Do I Get Back Now – click to enlarge
I Can Fly, But How Do I Get Back Now – click to enlarge
I Can Fly, But How Do I Get Back Now – click to enlarge
I Can Fly, But How Do I Get Back Now – click to enlarge
I Can Fly, But How Do I Get Back Now – click to enlarge
Great Blue Returning To The Nest
These 3 photographs were taken at the end of day, the last of the good light.
There is no real golden hour at this part of the swamp. Light filters through trees from the west, then drops behind them and light suddenly is a problem.
However, for the last half hour of the day this entire side of the swamp is great. Now you just hope things are going on at the same time.
Black Swans And A Swamp
Black Swans were originally brought to Sumter, South Carolina for the Swan Lake park. The Swans liked the weather here, a lot.
The park now includes swamp land adjacent to the lake.
These Swans have young every year.
There are park rangers here who catch and relocate Alligators. Sumter is inland but there are still Alligators here. The biggest Alligator caught in South Carolina was near here. Almost 15 feet long. As big as a Toyota (I just looked).
Lift Off, Just A Little
A little rain didn’t stop either of us. The Heron went in the air (very little but it’s a star), and I got the shot.
This will build confidence and wing strength.
In this nest the bird might fly a short distance at first, over to the branches. Some young don’t have that option. The nearest place to land is further, and water (Alligators) in between.
Getting it right the first time is critical here.
