I took this Great Blue Heron image on December 1st at Charleston Lake Park in Franklin County, Arkansas, on the same day as the cormorant photos I recently shared.
Adult Great Blue Heron foraging at Charleston Lake – Canon R7, f8, 1/3200, ISO 800, -0.7 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 349mm, natural light
That day, this heron caught and eventually ate a large crappie. In this photo, the heron was foraging for more fish. I believe it is the same heron I see there time after time. The heron does seem rather territorial.
Yesterday morning, the heron began hunting for breakfast shortly after sunrise. I didn’t have much light for photos, but I knew there was enough for videos. After recording several, I took this one, which shows the heron catching and eating a fish.
If you’d like to view the video on YouTube, click here.
Later yesterday morning, I missed out on taking photos of a heron as it lifted off from a tree where it had been preening and landed nearby. I simply didn’t notice the heron leaving the tree soon enough to pick up my camera and focus on the bird as it flew in.
Hopefully, I’ll get another chance with this Great Blue Heron sometime soon.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Great Blue Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
That video is totally cool! The top pic is intriguing because Heron appears locked and loaded and waiting for his breakfast. Thanks Mia.
Wow down went the fish. Watching that I wonder when the fish dies. It is still moving down the neck of the Heron. I would guess when it hits the stomach of the Heron. It would be a funny feeling for a while. Never tried to eat anything still living as the trend of swallowing gold fish back in the day. Thanks for the video.
That meal didn’t last long…