GREAT BLUE HERON FISHING

 

The Great Blue Heron is a magnificent bird with remarkable fishing skills. They can remain motionless for hours if necessary to spot and capture their prey. Their long legs and extended necks facilitate catching prey in shallow waters.

With a lightning-fast thrust of the neck and head, it dives in with prey in sight, using its sharp bill. They will grab on with their bill or, in some cases, actually spear the fish. It is very entertaining to watch them hunt for food. The thrust into the water is very fast, creating a significant splash.

Once they have secured their catch, they will position it for swallowing whole. This process usually occurs very quickly, allowing them to move on to the next catch.

The look on this Heron’s face says it all!

Sometimes the act of swallowing the catch does not proceed as smoothly as anticipated, given that ingesting a live, moving fish can present a challenge. 

It took some time for that fish to enter the heron's stomach. I am not entirely sure whether it was going headfirst, tail first, or perhaps even sideways.

This Heron did a lot of neck stretching and water drinking!

© Chris LeBoutillier