Great Blue Heron Fishing Technique: A Cool Way to Catch Fish

I watched a Great Blue Heron using a unique fishing technique that involved jumping off a platform to catch fish. This Great Blue Heron’s behavior was a fascinating display of its adaptability and precision. Instead of walking in the water like it usually does, this heron stood on a platform and looked for fish. As a result, it had a better view of its surroundings. When it spotted one, it jumped off the platform headfirst to catch it. Sometimes it missed, but most of the time it was successful.

Graceful Dive: Great Blue Heron in Action
A Great Blue Heron executes a precise dive from a platform into the still morning waters, showcasing its remarkable hunting skills.

Why Great Blue Herons Are Amazing Hunters

Great Blue Herons are smart and use unique fishing techniques, like diving from platforms, to hunt. You usually see them near rivers, lakes, or marshes, walking through shallow water with their long legs to find food. However, this heron’s jumping technique shows how it can adapt to its surroundings, making it a remarkable example of adaptability. It uses its sharp eyes to spot fish, then dives and grabs the fish with its strong beak. This takes patience, good eyesight, and quick movements, which makes it an impressive hunter.

The Thrill of Watching Wildlife

Watching this heron was amazing because it revealed the incredible strategies animals use to survive. The golden light of the morning made the lake glow, and the heron’s movements created small ripples on the water. Every time it jumped off the platform, it was exciting to see how carefully it aimed and dived, which kept the experience engaging. Watching a Great Blue Heron hunt like this highlights the Great Blue Heron fishing technique, showcasing their cleverness and skill. For more on these fascinating birds, read about how a Great Blue Heron swam with a shad. Moments like these remind us why wildlife observation and photography are so rewarding.

Where to Spot Great Blue Herons

If you’re ever near a river, lake, or marsh, take some time to look for Great Blue Herons. Whether they’re walking in the water or diving from a platform, their hunting skills are fascinating to watch, and they demonstrate the heron’s versatility. It’s an experience you won’t forget.


Gear Used:

  • Camera: Canon EOS R7
  • Lens: Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Technical Details:

  • Location: Charleston Lake, Arkansas
  • Date & Time: January 10, 2023, at 8:34 A.M.
  • Aperture: f/7.1
  • Shutter Speed: 1/1000
  • ISO: 5000
  • Focal Length: 500mm