The Great Blue Herons were right on schedule this year and started nesting in mid January.
Usually, the Great Egrets are right there with them.
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But, even though mating plumes are visible through most of the winter,
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it is the middle of January before
Great Egrets are usually feeling the natural urge to gather twigs,
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build nests, and the mating plumes really start to come out.
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But, this year, the Great Egrets are a month behind schedule.
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The above photo of a new nest, was taken from Rookery Road on 2/22/2011
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Meanwhile, back at the lake,
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another bird who doesn't begin nesting until June,
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with a beak specially designed to feed on invertebrae that live in the floating mat of plants,
is busy in a different way.
The White Ibis are gathering upon the floating mats of plants on the southwest corner of Lake Martin,
and feeding upon the snails, crawfish, and shrimp.
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The swamp in winter is mostly grey with moss, then new things begin to move,
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and presents the anticipation of spring.
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At the same time we have a very hard winter, I have noticed something I never saw before at this time of year.
Black-bellied whistling ducks!
Always something new at Lake Martin.
If you would like to join me for an educational and entertaining swamp tour, photo safari or just plain birdwatching, I can be reached at 337 298 2630 to make rservations. Or for more info, go to my website at de la Houssaye's Swamp Tours.
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