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August 17th. Mid-morning at Cranberry bog after dropping trash at the transfer station. Both the Great Egret (Ardea alba) and Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius) were present.

 

I realize I posted way more pictures of this bird than usual, but seeing it was very UN-usual. Posting the pictures compensates for the many years when I didn't see any others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius), was nearby but not happy about the Great Egret's presence.

 

After this picture, the Heron flew off to the east.

 

I noticed a second Spider Flower (Cleome hasselriana) a few yards...

 

...from the first one photgraphed on August 12th.

 

The Great Blue Heron returned and perched directly above the Great Egret. (I wondered if it was planning to defecate on the egret, but it didn't happen while I was watching.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Heron from a different angle.

 

The young Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) were present too, but a few yards away from the bigger birds.

 

August 18th at Cranberry Bog. No sign of the Great Egret, but the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius)...

 

...was displaying some interesting behaviors. Check out the following sequence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 19th. Wet with last night's rain, Virgin's-bower or Wild Clematis (Clematis virginiana).

 

Another name for this vine is Old Man's Beard, referring to the hairy seed heads in Fall.