Amid the tranquil surroundings of Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I witnessed a Great Blue Heron embarking on a daring aquatic quest – swimming with a Crappie! It was a remarkable sight, as the majestic bird ventured into the depths of a small pool to capture its prey. However, I was unable to document the final act of the Heron devouring its catch as it faced away from me.

Great Blue Heron Swimming With A Crappie
Great Blue Heron Swimming With A Crappie

This photograph was captured from my pickup, parked at the Sally Jones West Causeway, on the northwest corner of the tour road. I used a bean bag to steady my camera, a Canon EOS 7D Mark II, as it was equipped with a Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM lens.

Technical specifications for the shot are as follows:
• Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
• Date Taken: June 12, 2020
• Aperture: f6.3
• Shutter speed: 1/640 sec.
• ISO: 2500
• Exposure Bias: +4/3 EV
• Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
• Focal Length: 500 mm

Note: This is the same area I photographed a Great Blue Heron Eating A Gar.

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