“The Great Blue Heron’s Morning Routine: Caught in the Act at Charleston City Lake”
As a nature photographer, I’m always on the lookout for those once-in-a-lifetime shots. And let me tell you, on a recent trip to Charleston Lake in Arkansas, I was lucky enough to witness and capture a moment that I’ll never forget.
I was using my trusty Canon EOS R7 camera, equipped with the Canon RF 800 mm F11 IS STM lens. The technical details, for those who care about such things: manual exposure mode, f11 aperture (fixed), 1/1250 shutter speed, ISO 1000 (auto), and a fixed focal length of 800 mm.
So, what was this unforgettable moment, you ask? Well, I caught a Great Blue Heron in the act of… pooping. Yes, you read that right. The Great Blue Heron, with its long legs, neck, and bill, is a sight to behold as it gracefully hunts for fish in the shallow waters of the lake. But even these regal birds have to take care of business, and I was there to capture it all.
Not only is this photo a testament to the beauty of the Great Blue Heron, but it also adds a touch of humor to the mix. Let’s face it, we can all relate to those moments when nature calls and we just can’t hold it in any longer. And who would have thought that a bird as majestic as the Great Blue Heron would have those same relatable moments?
Overall, my trip to Charleston Lake was an experience I won’t soon forget. Not only did I get to witness the beauty of these magnificent birds in their natural habitat, but I also got to capture a hilarious and unexpected moment that I’ll always cherish. So, if you’re ever in the area, make sure to pay a visit to this lake and see if you can spot a Great Blue Heron for yourself. Who knows, you might even catch them in the middle of their morning routine.
In conclusion, photography is all about capturing moments, big or small, beautiful or humorous. And this photo of the Great Blue Heron pooping at Charleston Lake is a perfect example of that. It reminds us to appreciate the world around us and to never take ourselves too seriously.
Note: My friend Mia McPherson advised me that Great Blue Herons generally do not poop in the water.
These birds prefer to relieve themselves on land or in flight, away from their food source. This behavior helps them to maintain a clean environment for hunting and reduces the risk of contamination in the water. Additionally, by avoiding the release of feces in the water, the Great Blue Herons also reduce the chance of attracting predators or competitors to their food source.
Note #2: This is the same Blue Heron I have made several blog post on: Great Blue Heron Lifting Off, Great Blue Heron Taking Off and Flying Great Blue Heron With Shad