Great Blue Heron Drops Two Crayfish

I watched a Great Blue Heron catch two crayfish at the same time. The unusual catch did not end as I expected.

Great Blue Heron With Two Crayfish

I arrived at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma before sunrise. I chose a spot where I had watched many birds hunt for crayfish.

One Great Blue Heron soon caught my attention. It pulled two large crayfish from the water in a single attempt.

The crayfish clung tightly to each other as the heron held them. Their combined size appeared to make handling them difficult. The heron hesitated instead of swallowing its catch.

After a short pause, it dropped both crayfish back into the water. I do not often see a heron release prey after making a successful catch.

Great Blue Herons often stand quietly while watching the water. When prey moves within reach, they strike quickly with their long neck and bill.

This bird had made an impressive catch. However, the two crayfish presented a challenge that one crayfish might not have caused.

I photographed another unusual double catch when a Heron Catches Two Shad at Once. Moments like these show how unpredictable a heron’s hunt can become.

Photographing the Heron From My Pickup

I photographed this scene from inside my pickup. Staying in the vehicle helped me keep my distance while watching the heron hunt.

A telephoto lens gave me a close view without approaching the bird. I rested my camera on a beanbag draped over the open window. That support helped steady the camera while I followed the action.

Wildlife behavior can change in seconds. I kept the camera ready because I never knew when the heron might strike.

The early arrival also gave me time to settle into position. Once the bird started hunting, I could concentrate on its movements through the viewfinder.

Camera support: Beanbag over the open pickup window
Vantage point: Inside my pickup
Lens type: Telephoto lens
Settings: Available on request

An Unexpected End to the Hunt

I expected the Great Blue Heron to swallow at least one crayfish. Instead, it dropped both and continued its hunt.

That brief encounter gave me a photograph of behavior I rarely see. It also reminded me why I enjoy watching wildlife for more than a quick photograph. The unexpected moments often become the most memorable ones.