I was mesmerized by this striking Great Blue Heron gazing out across the ponds from his treetop perch yesterday morning . . . so full of grace!! 
In a nearby tree, another Great Blue appeared to be mulling over the selection of a new nesting spot for this year.
Quite a few pairs of Herons are already flying back and forth bringing sticks to their nests, and they’re increasing in number every week. (All About Birds – Great Blue Heron) I’m rooting for the ones that have arrived early!! 
In recent years the Wood Storks have taken over many of the nesting trees that used to be inhabited by GBH‘s and other birds. Once the aggressive Wood Storks arrive, the Great Blues will often be challenged to defend their space.
Birder's Journey 
In the Lowcountry Storks and GBH don’t usually nest together. However the Great Egrets and Anhinga will move into the Heron rookeries. Nasty results too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Wood Stork ‘invasion’ has been fairly recent, slowly but surely taking over in the past 4-5 years. But frankly we’re thrilled that they like it here, as the Wood Storks were really in danger not so long ago – we just figure they moved up here. ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic captures of a beautiful bird. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Irene. With a bird as beautiful and photogenic as this, it’s much less of a challenge.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing light in these shots! (Can’t wait for you to show us the nests!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Yaffa!😍 and I can’t wait to show you.
LikeLike
What a beauty! Nesting season has begun – yay!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it definitely has! And the visitors are out in force to witness it!☀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful captures right into the GBH’s perching level!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lucky I had a long lens… and the morning light was just wonderful. Thanks, Ellen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Magnificent shots cloaked with mystical serenity as well.
Beautiful! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Berny! They looked very serene indeed.
LikeLike
Majestic birds and shots.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They really are majestic! I appreciate your kind words.
LikeLike
Yes BJ it looks very graceful in the breeding plumage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
For sure, AB! I think that’s the elegant and special quality of their appearance here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful shots, Carol. What a treat to see herons in winter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m absolutely certain this is one of their favorite places to spend the winter!
LikeLike
GBHs are so good, posing for pictures. They don’t move much and they are always picture perfect. Great captures, Carol. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree, HJ. That’s probably why I have more GBH photos than any other bird!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂 You’re funny, Carol. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful images of the Herons! Enjoyed seeing them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I enjoyed seeing them in person, a real joy. Thanks so much, Reed!
LikeLike
Your lovely photos have captured that sense of grace. Thanks for the link to the All About Birds piece on these herons. The Cool Facts are pretty cool and how interesting that the recovery of beaver populations has benefited the herons.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Graceful is the word that kept coming to mind as I watch them, thank you. One cool fact I’m amazed to discover is that these massive birds only weigh 5 or 6 pounds!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes that light weight is amazing. Also how the breast feathers are used to keep clean …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! I never knew that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Really lovely! I particularly like the second photo. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad to hear that, Belinda! I almost didn’t include that shot, but I love the way they lean over so lovingly to nurture their nesting spot. I’m not sure if this one is actually constructed yet, but it looks like a good start. ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, great job catching the eye color in that first shot! Lovely photos, all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sue! Sometimes it’s a matter of luck that the bird turns his head just the right way in just the right light at just the right time!☀️
LikeLike
You did a wonderful job capturing this GBH’s grace, gorgeous Carol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really appreciate your kind comments, Donna. These were two truly beautiful Herons!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have to love the Blue Herons, great photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes I absolutely do! 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person