A heron watching a snake at Fort Supply in Oklahoma gave me hope for a photograph I’ve wanted for years. I was photographing this Great Blue Heron catching fish when a watersnake swam out from the rocks.
Heron Watching a Snake Beside the Rocks
For years, I’ve wanted to see and photograph a Great Blue Heron catching and eating a snake. I’ve seen photographs from other photographers showing it happen, but I haven’t witnessed it myself.
I’ve watched numerous snakes swim close to these birds without getting a reaction. This time, the heron watched the snake, and I thought I might have my chance.
The watersnake came from the rocks and swam in front of the bird. It went around the heron and back to the other side of the rocks. During that pass, it came within what looked like striking distance. The heron let it go without a strike.
Photographing the Encounter in Choppy Water
I had been photographing the bird catching fish before the snake appeared. Once the snake swam into view, I watched to see whether the heron would try to catch it.
The snake passed close to the bird’s legs. I photographed the two together, with the heron standing on the rocks and the snake moving through the water.
Later, I saw the snake in front of the heron again. This time, it appeared to have a fish in its mouth. It was swimming toward the rocks where I had first seen it emerge.
The water was too choppy for me to get a photograph showing the possible fish. The heron continued watching, but it made no attempt to grab the snake or what it seemed to carry.
That sight reminded me of another encounter I shared in Two Watersnakes Fight Over the Same Catfish.
Still Waiting for That Snake Catch
I don’t know why this heron passed up the snake. It had been catching fish, but I can’t say whether that affected its response.
I came away with photographs of the close encounter and another sighting to add to my experience. I’m still waiting to witness a Great Blue Heron catch a snake.