This Great Blue Heron had been slowly and methodically patrolling the edge of Ravenswood Pond, mostly in the shade and with a tree between us.
Then, he stepped into the clear, in a patch of sun. And caught a fish!
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
April 12, 2023
Looks like he is eating well. 🙂
Yes! It’s kind of interesting that the GBH parents that are nesting around this pond fly off to the river or other ponds to feed. Very seldom do we see them feeding right here. I think this fellow is a bachelor, maybe a juvi from last year.
Interesting to see how he takes a good look at the fish in picture 2, probably to ascertain its edibility and that it ends up in the right position before being swallowed whole. Nice series Ellen!
Thanks, Hans, glad that you liked them! I don’t know how they know what they have picked up is food, sometimes it’s just muck or a twig. I do think that the pause is a squeezing maneuver to reduce the chances of the prey jumping away 😳. Likely a lesson learned from experience!