I photographed a Great Blue Heron with a freshly caught fish at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge today. The bird emerged from heavy vegetation near the Tuff boat ramp with a small fish gripped firmly in its bill.
Wildlife Notes: Patient Fishing Tactics
Great Blue Herons are skilled hunters that rely on patience and lightning-fast reflexes. This individual was working the shallows near the auto tour road, an area I’ve seen it hunt before. However, it usually stays on the far side of the cove. Finding it close to the road was unexpected.
These herons hunt by standing motionless or wading slowly through shallow water. When prey comes within range, they strike with remarkable speed. Their long, dagger-like bills are designed to spear or grasp fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals. The fish in this photo appears to be a small sunfish or shad, common in refuge waters.
The bird’s blue-gray plumage and intense yellow eyes stood out against the darker water. In breeding season, Great Blue Herons develop longer plumes on their head, neck, and back. This individual showed subtle plume development, suggesting early spring timing.
Photographing the Catch
I set up my Canon EOS R7 with the RF 100-500mm lens on a beanbag resting in my truck window. The heron was surrounded by reeds and brush, so I waited for it to move into open water. Patience is critical when photographing wading birds. Rushing the shot often means spooking the subject.
When the heron stepped into a clearing, I was ready. It struck the water and came up with the fish in one smooth motion. I fired a burst at 1/800 second to freeze the action. At 500mm and f/7.1, the background softened nicely while keeping the bird sharp.
Settings:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- ISO: 2000
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Shutter Speed: 1/800 sec
- Exposure Compensation: -0.7
- Focal Length: 500mm
- Support: Beanbag on truck window
The ISO was higher than I’d prefer, but the light was soft and the R7 handles noise well. I dialed in -0.7 exposure compensation to preserve detail in the white neck feathers. Overexposing wading birds often blows out the highlights.
Why This Moment Matters
Wildlife photography demands time and dedication, but witnessing a hunt unfold makes every hour worthwhile. I’ve photographed this heron from a distance before, so capturing it up close with a catch felt like a reward for persistent observation. The crisp feather detail and eye sharpness are what I aim for in every shot.
Have you ever photographed Great Blue Herons hunting? What techniques work best for you?
An amazing photo! So glad that the Great Blue Heron moved into view and made a successful catch–what a beautiful bird!
Thank you! Me too!
Great catch, for both the bird and you, Creek!
Thank you! I do get lucky sometimes!