I watched this Great Egret hunting through tall vegetation at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. The bird moved slowly through the reeds near Dockery Slough. Its long neck stayed ready to strike. However, I didn’t see it catch any crayfish during my visit.
The day before, a Great Blue Heron hunted in the same spot. That bird caught several crayfish using similar techniques. This shows how wildlife encounters can vary, even when birds use the same hunting methods.
Where I Found This Great Egret Hunting
The egret was hunting near West Sally Jones Causeway, close to Dockery Slough on the south side of the tour road. This wetland area attracts many wading birds during feeding times. The dense vegetation provides cover for both predators and prey.
Time of day matters for Great Egret hunting success. I photographed this bird in early morning. Crayfish often burrow during cooler parts of the day. This might explain why the egret didn’t catch anything.
Camera Settings for This Shot
I used my Fujifilm X-T3 with a Canon EF 100-400mm lens and Fringer adapter. The camera rested on a bean bag over my truck window. This setup gave me stability and quick adjustments.
My settings were:
- Aperture Priority mode
- Shutter speed: 1/450 sec
- Aperture: f/7.1
- ISO: 1600
The f/7.1 aperture kept the egret sharp while blurring the background vegetation. I needed ISO 1600 for the shaded conditions. The X-T3 handled the higher ISO well.
How Great Egrets Hunt
Great Egrets are patient hunters. They stand motionless for long periods waiting for prey. Their diet includes fish, amphibians, and crustaceans like crayfish. They use their sharp bills to spear or grab prey with quick lunges.
This egret showed the typical slow, deliberate movements as it searched through the reeds. Additionally, it kept its head positioned for a quick strike. The crayfish stayed hidden that morning though.
Why Sequoyah Refuge Works for Wading Birds
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge provides ideal habitat for wading birds. The wetlands and shallow waterways support diverse aquatic life. Dockery Slough attracts Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and Green Herons.
The refuge’s varied habitats support fish, amphibians, and crustaceans. This makes it perfect for observing Great Egret hunting behaviors.
Photography Tips for Great Egret Hunting Shots
Use stable support like a bean bag or tripod to avoid camera shake. Monitor your ISO settings in low light. Keep it high enough for sharp images but not so high that noise becomes a problem.
Anticipate movement patterns. Great Egrets stand still for long periods before striking. Keep your camera focused on the bird’s head or bill area. This way you’re ready when action happens.
Great Egrets vs Great Blue Herons
Both species hunt similarly but have differences. Great Egrets prefer hunting in open water or wetland edges. Great Blue Herons often fish in deeper waters.
The egret’s white plumage helps it blend with bright, sunlit water. However, the heron’s gray-blue feathers provide camouflage in shaded areas. This affects where each species hunts most effectively.
Photographing this Great Egret hunting was an exercise in patience. The bird didn’t catch crayfish, but I learned more about how these species interact with their environment at the refuge.