I recently had the joy of spotting the same Great Blue Heron for the third time at Horton Slough, located in Oklahoma’s Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. This magnificent bird has clearly made this fishing spot its regular territory, and I feel fortunate to have witnessed its presence once again.
As I mentioned in my previous posts, Great Blue Heron Catching Shad in Horton Slough and Capturing the Grace of a Great Blue Heron at Horton Slough, this heron seems to favor the waters near the bridge by the Horton Slough Trail parking area. True to form, I found it standing still, intently focused on catching fish.
The heron appeared completely unfazed by my presence, allowing me to capture its actions without disturbance. This time, I was treated to an incredible sight: the heron caught two shad simultaneously in its long beak. However, it quickly dropped the first fish back into the water. After swallowing the second shad, it swiftly recaptured the first one, showcasing its impressive hunting skills.
The clear skies provided perfect lighting, enabling me to use a fast shutter speed to freeze the heron’s rapid movements. While the higher ISO I used introduced some noise due to my camera’s limitations, I’m still thrilled with the resulting action shots that document this fascinating natural behavior.
As a wildlife photographer, observing the same individual over multiple encounters is incredibly rewarding. It allows me to document unique behaviors and share the story of this Great Blue Heron’s life in its natural habitat. I’m excited to continue following this beautiful bird’s hunting adventures during future visits to the refuge.
Image Details: First Image
- Date: 12/31/19
- Time: 08:47 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
- Lens: EF 500mm f/4L IS USM
- ISO: 3200
- Aperture: f/5.6
- Shutter Speed: 1/1000
- Exposure Compensation: -0.7
- Focal Length: 500mm
- Program Mode: Aperture Priority
This encounter was yet another reminder of the beauty and wonder of nature, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share it with you. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable Great Blue Heron!