Great Blue Heron Catches Two Crayfish

I got to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma before sunrise. I went to a location where lots of different birds are gathering to catch Crayfish. Today’s photo is of a Great Blue Heron that caught two Crayfish that were hanging on to each other. I’m guessing that the Heron thought that these Crayfish were going to be too much trouble to eat because he dropped them both back into the water. It is not often I see Great Blue Herons not eating something they catch.

Great Blue Herons are the largest herons in North America. They can grow up to 4 feet tall and have a wingspan of up to 7 feet. They are blue-gray in color with a long, thin neck and a sharp bill. Great Blue Herons are found in wetlands all over North America. They eat a variety of fish, frogs, snakes, and small mammals.

Great Blue Herons are very patient hunters. They will stand motionless for hours, waiting for prey to come within reach. When they see something they want to eat, they will strike with lightning speed. Their long necks and sharp bills allow them to catch prey that is deep underwater.

I was lucky to be able to witness this Great Blue Heron catch two Crayfish. I think that this Heron may have thought that the Crayfish were going to be too much trouble to eat. They were both very large and they were hanging on to each other. The Heron may have been afraid that they would fight back if he tried to eat them.

I photographed this Heron from inside my pickup. I had my camera and lens resting on a beanbag draped over an open window for support. I was using a telephoto lens so that I could get close enough to the Heron without disturbing it.

I am very happy with the way this photo turned out. It is a great example of the patience and skill that is required to get good wildlife photography. I hope that you enjoy it.