I returned to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma yesterday and found the Great Blue Heron in the same spot where I had seen it a few days earlier (Great Blue Heron Reflection In Water). This time, the heron was busy catching shad.
Here’s how I captured the shot:
The weather was cloudy with intermittent rain, which usually isn’t ideal for wildlife photography because it requires a high shutter speed to capture the action. However, raising the ISO to achieve the necessary shutter speed can result in a noisy photo.
To see if I could photograph the heron without scaring it away, I set up my tripod and took a few chances. While I missed many action shots due to the slow shutter speed, I managed to capture a few photos that I liked. The cloudy day also helped to bring out the bird’s colors in a unique way.
The Great Blue Heron is a remarkable bird known for its impressive size and wingspan. They primarily feed on fish and can be found in wetland habitats throughout Oklahoma. These birds are also known for their impressive hunting skills, which often involve a sharp beak and quick reflexes.
Overall, capturing the Great Blue Heron catching shad was an incredible experience that allowed me to witness the beauty and power of this amazing bird. Despite the challenging weather conditions, I was able to get a few great shots and create memories that will last a lifetime.
I was using a Canon EOS 7D Mark II with a EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens on a tripod.
Here is a photo of this same Great Blue Heron with two shad: Great Blue Heron Catching Two Shad