Sunset Flight

Young Heron

Earlier this week I caught this juvenile night heron flying just above the salt marsh. The night herons have been coming out lately to feed on the small crabs that can often be found scurrying around the marsh during low tide.

Juvenile Night Heron Flight

Fresh Shrimp Cocktail

Yesterday evening we were watching this great blue heron that seemed delighted with his pre-dinner appetizer of shrimp plucked right out of the salt marsh.

It doesn’t get any fresher than that!

GBH Catches Shrimp

GBH Catches Shrimp

GBH Catches Shrimp

Early Evening Spoonbill Flight

“Don’t Do It Woody!”

I got the feeling right away when I saw this wood stork carefully watching an alligator glide along in the salt marsh that the stork might have some wacky idea in mind.

I knew I was on to something when I saw Woody start to follow directly behind the gator. I have seen birds do this before, they will shadow an alligator hoping to scoop up panicked fish that get stirred up by the gator. But I did not really expect Woody to reach over and take a little bite out of the tip of the gator’s tail! Woody waited until the gator ducked his head under the water to grab some fish and then went for it.

Lucky for the wood stork the alligator ignored the indiscretion (this time) and just continued on about his business.

Woody Bites Alligator

Woody Bites Alligator

Woody Bites Alligator

Evening Jump

Earlier this week a spoonbill jumps off from the salt marsh during low tide. This is one of our recent arrivals.

We now have a total of 15 spoonies in and around the marsh area which breaks the old record of 11 set back in 2009 and last year!

Spoonbill Jumps Off From Salt Marsh

Happy Heron

On a recent afternoon in the salt marsh I saw this great blue heron pluck himself a nice eel out of the water. He was so proud and happy with his catch that he proceeded to parade the eel around, walking back and forth holding on tight to his prize.

At one point he walked by a feeding spoonbill that appeared totally unimpressed with the heron’s performance.

Oh well, no matter, a nice lunch was still had by the prancing GBH!

GBH has Eel in Salt Marsh

GBH has Eel in Salt Marsh

GBH has Eel in Salt Marsh

GBH has Eel in Salt Marsh

GBH has Eel in Salt Marsh

Always Great To See Crab On The Menu

Earlier this week our good buddy Mr. A was cruising the salt marsh seafood buffet. He quickly went for the fresh crab which I know is his favorite. I think he likes the crunch of a blue crab best!

He certainly looked pleased and satisfied with himself in that last photo, so I know he will be back soon for another visit to this fine dining establishment.

Alligator Catches Crab in Salt Marsh

Alligator Catches Crab in Salt Marsh

Alligator Catches Crab in Salt Marsh

Alligator Catches Crab in Salt Marsh

Alligator Catches Crab in Salt Marsh