The Great Blue Herons were right on schedule this year and started nesting in mid January.
The two photos above were taken on tour this past week.Usually, the Great Egrets are right there with them.
But, even though mating plumes are visible through most of the winter,
it is the middle of January before
Great Egrets are usually feeling the natural urge to gather twigs,
build nests, and the mating plumes really start to come out.
But, this year, the Great Egrets are a month behind schedule.
The above photo of a new nest, was taken from Rookery Road on 2/22/2011
Meanwhile, back at the lake,
another bird who doesn't begin nesting until June,
All photos above(except the first two) are courtesy of Claude Nall.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.
Above photo courtesy of Claude Nall 
The swamp in winter is mostly grey with moss, then new things begin to move,
The photo above and below are courtesy of Claude Nall and presents the anticipation of spring.
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
The nutria are safe for a few more weeks
Then the young gators which are already coming out into the 70' temperatures we are presntly having,
The photo above and below are courtesy of Claude Nall will be joined by the big gators and no one will be safe!
If you would like to join me for a photo safari, bird watching, or a swamp tour, you can call me at 337 298 2639 for resrvations or visit my website for more info at www.delahoussayes.com.
