I photographed this Yellow-crowned Night-Heron in June 2017 at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. The bird had just caught a crayfish and was busy preparing its meal, seemingly oblivious to my presence. These herons are commonly seen at the refuge during June, especially close to the tour road after rainfall, when crayfish are more active and easier to catch.
Yellow-crowned Night-Herons typically inhabit wetland areas, where they hunt for crustaceans and other small prey. At Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Miner’s Cove is one of the prime spots to find them. The combination of shallow water and muddy banks provides an ideal hunting ground for crayfish, which make up a significant part of their diet.
While these birds are known to eat a variety of prey—including insects, small fish, lizards, and even small rodents—the main food I see them catch at the refuge is crayfish. Their sharp, sturdy bill is well-adapted for grabbing and holding onto crustaceans, and they often toss the crayfish around to position it for swallowing headfirst.
Camera Settings and Technique
To capture this shot, I used my Canon EOS 7D Mark II with a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens. The camera was resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup, which helped stabilize the setup and reduce camera shake. Here were the specific settings used:
- Shooting Mode: Aperture Priority (AV)
- Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec
- Aperture: f/7.1
- ISO: 1000
The aperture of f/7.1 allowed for a balance between depth of field and sharpness, keeping both the heron and the crayfish in focus while slightly blurring the background. The shutter speed of 1/320 sec was sufficient to freeze the heron’s movements while catching the crayfish. Given the shaded conditions near the water, I set the ISO to 1000 to maintain a well-exposed image without introducing too much noise.
The Importance of Crayfish in the Heron’s Diet
Crayfish are a staple for Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, providing essential nutrients and being relatively easy to catch in wetland environments. Their hunting strategy usually involves standing still near the water’s edge or slowly walking through shallow areas to spot their prey. Once a crayfish is located, the heron will use its quick reflexes to snatch it up.
Interestingly, the birds will often crush the exoskeleton before swallowing to make digestion easier. This behavior demonstrates their adaptability in handling various types of prey.
Tips for Photographing Wading Birds
- Use a Telephoto Lens: A lens with at least 300mm reach allows you to capture close-up details without disturbing the bird.
- Choose a Support System: Resting the camera on a bean bag, window mount, or tripod can help stabilize the shot.
- Shoot in Aperture Priority: This mode gives you control over the depth of field while the camera adjusts the shutter speed for proper exposure.
- Watch for Feeding Behavior: Birds like Yellow-crowned Night-Herons often display repetitive hunting actions, making it easier to anticipate their next move and capture the shot.
Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for birdwatchers and photographers, with its diverse habitats supporting a wide range of bird species. During the summer months, wading birds such as Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, Great Egrets, and Great Blue Herons are commonly seen hunting along the shallow waterways and mudflats. Rainy weather increases the chances of seeing these birds up close, as rising water levels push prey like crayfish closer to the surface.
Photographing this Yellow-crowned Night-Heron at Miner’s Cove was a reminder of the abundant life that wetlands support and the fascinating behaviors that unfold in these natural settings. Moments like these offer insights into the lives of wading birds and their role in the ecosystem.