I photographed this Flying Great Blue Heron With Shad at the Charleston Lake in Charleston, Arkansas. This Great Blue Heron was jumping off a platform near the Dam to catch shad (Great Blue Heron Unique Fishing Method). After catching the Shad it would fly to land to eat it.
As the Great Blue Heron prepares to take flight with the shad, it spreads its wings and takes a few steps forward. With a sudden flapping of its wings, the bird launches itself into the air. The sight of a Great Blue Heron flying with a shad in its beak is a breathtaking display of grace and power. The bird flies effortlessly through the air, using its long wingspan and strong muscles to stay aloft.
Once the Great Blue Heron has flown a safe distance from the water, it begins to maneuver the shad in its beak to swallow. This is no small feat, as the shad is a slippery, wriggling fish that requires delicate handling.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM
Technical:
- Location: Charleston City Lake (Arkansas
- Date and Time Taken: January 9, 2023 (11:16 A. M.)
- Aperture: f11 (Fixed)
- Shutter speed: 1/3200
- ISO: 2000
- Exposure Compensation: -4/3
- Focal Length: 800 mm (Fixed)
Here is another photo I took of a Great Blue Heron: Great Blue Heron With Wingtip Touching Water