I am not a birder, as the familiar word goes for people who enjoy bird-watching. I am, instead, a casual bird watcher. If you are wondering what the difference is, it is simple. I enjoy bird-watching at convenient times. I have not traveled to locations solely because I intended to go bird-watching. However, as it has happened on several occasions when I sit by a lake or the beach, I enjoy observing the wildlife around me. Recently, since we moved to a different location just 16 miles (26 km) north of our old home, I enjoy the beauty of a pond directly behind our backyard. Every morning, I sit on the deck to meditate and appreciate the wildlife that comes around.
In about an hour and a half of observation, I captured the photos and video you see here three days ago. One of the beauties of wildlife is that if you observe it and are patient, you learn a lot about its behavior. That has proven to be very helpful when I photograph dragonflies and damselflies. On this particular day, a Great Blue Heron was my reward. I watched it as it groomed itself over and over. At times, it would spit out feathers that seemed to be stuck in its throat.
According to All About Birds, Great Blue Herons are the largest of North American herons. They have “long legs, a sinuous neck, and thick, daggerlike bill.” They are sometimes hard to see. They love to blend into their surroundings. With their gray-blueish plumage, it is not hard to see that it helps them disappear against the backdrop of wetlands and trees. In the opening photo, the sunlight was going over our house, casting a beautiful light on the heron’s head. There was no hiding.
About half an hour later, it moved to a nearby location. I spotted it a little farther down, trying to blend in with the vegetation. That would not last long, as it returned to the open area for food.
When I saw it was frozen in time and space, I knew it had spotted food in the water. My suspicion was confirmed when I noticed it was crouching. It did not take long for action to happen. I started to video that. You can see what happened next.
Breakfast was served! I caught a few photos of the heron adjusting the small fish in its mouth. The following photo was my favorite.
Posted for I.J. Khanewala’s Birds of the Week Invitation LXXIX.
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Vicki
I really enjoyed the video and it sounds like you have the perfect spot for a new home and nature watching.
(I’ve never managed to work out how to do a video on my camera. Maybe I should try again some day).
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the feedback, Vicki. I seldom do videos on my camera. I prefer to use my phone for videos. This time, however, I used my camera. Doing a video is just pushing the video button on the camera. I think all cameras now have a dedicated button for videos.
Anne Sandler
Nature is amazing to watch. Herons and egrets are so patient. More than me when I’m holding the camera! Your patience paid off. Great photos and video.
Egidio Leitao
I agree with you on the nature assessment. It is not very often when I take off a chunk of time to just observe as I did a couple of days ago. At least this time, the heron was doing something. Thanks for the compliment.
margaret21
You might not call yourself a birder, but you do have patience – and skills! As ypur photos and video testify.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, Margaret. That is very kind of you to say that. Getting older has its advantages when it comes to patience. 🙂
margaret21
👍
Toonsarah
Wonderful photos! I’m always fascinated by herons – their patience as they wait for a catch, the way they move (and I love seeing them in flight). Your video is excellent too, I was transfixed by the bird’s stillness 🙂
Egidio Leitao
Sarah, I thought I was the only one that seems fascinated by herons. Their patience to make a catch is amazing — probably because I’m not that patient. Thanks for the feedback.
Toonsarah
Ah, maybe that’s why I’m so fascinated too 😄
solaner
In English there are herons and egrets. In German we only have Reiher. Thus, I sometimes have problems distinguishing between them.
Beside this, you captured a nice series. Patience was rewarding 👍👍👍
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, André. What you mention is also true for other species. I am never really sure which is which. I use iNaturalist to narrow it down.
solaner
I also don’t know each species. For identifying them I use a combination of „Merlin Bird ID“ and „ObsIdentify“
Wandering Dawgs
Blue Herons are fun to watch as they preen and feed. You captured this one beautifully.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you very much for this feedback.
Aletta - nowathome
So beautiful to watch them! Great photos!
Egidio Leitao
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.
Lindy Le Coq
What a wonderful way to start your day!
Egidio Leitao
Lindy, I count my blessings every single day. Thank you.