While spending a day photographing wildlife at Oklahoma’s Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I had the privilege of witnessing an incredible scene. A Great Blue Heron, typically seen wading patiently in the shallows, surprised me by venturing into deeper waters on an apparent mission to catch prey.
I was stationed on the south side of the Sally Jones Causeway, observing the heron as it stalked its breakfast in the deeper part of the water. This behavior is uncommon for Great Blue Herons, who usually prefer the safety and ease of hunting near the shore.
Suddenly, with a burst of speed, the heron emerged from the water, a large crappie firmly secured in its long, sharp beak. The skilled hunter then used its powerful legs to paddle through the water, transporting its catch away. While I couldn’t capture the final act of the heron’s meal (it swam out of camera range), witnessing this graceful bird swimming with its freshly caught prize was an extraordinary moment.
This encounter serves as a reminder that there’s more to wildlife than meets the eye. While many of us associate Great Blue Herons with their characteristic shallow-water wading, this daring feat highlights their remarkable adaptability when it comes to securing their next meal. No matter where their prey may be hiding, these resourceful birds are willing to venture beyond their comfort zone to find it.
The Great Blue Heron’s successful hunt solidifies its reputation as a master fisher-bird. Its impressive hunting prowess deserves our admiration, whether it’s displaying its skills in the shallows or venturing into deeper waters.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time I’ve captured the hunting talents of a Great Blue Heron in this area of the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. Previously, I documented a heron enjoying a delicious meal of gar. It seems this refuge provides these magnificent birds with a diverse hunting ground, allowing them to showcase their adaptability and expertise across various terrains.