This was the perfect weekend to visit Murfree Spring Wetlands. Blue skies, bright sunshine, no humidity. I usually walk along the boardwalk shifting from one side of the walkway to the other while scouring the swamp for any sign of movement.
What I wasn't expecting was to find a Yellow Crowned Night Heron fishing in the middle of the swamp in the back of the wetland. He was very intent on the task at hand and didn't mind one bit that I stood on the boardwalk and took photos. He would stand straight up, then lean over. Then he would lift up one foot and take a step. Then he would lift up another and drop it. Then ..... pounce!
He was in and out of the water so fast, I couldn't even get a decent image. Yet, there he was hanging on to a crayfish.
Gotta get this crayfish in just the right position so he can swallow it, no doubt whole.
After several catches, the Heron decides its high time for a preening session which included some 'under the hood' work. Amazing. If I didn't know better I would swear he was trying to play hike and seek with me. Hope you had a great weekend. ENJOY!
What I wasn't expecting was to find a Yellow Crowned Night Heron fishing in the middle of the swamp in the back of the wetland. He was very intent on the task at hand and didn't mind one bit that I stood on the boardwalk and took photos. He would stand straight up, then lean over. Then he would lift up one foot and take a step. Then he would lift up another and drop it. Then ..... pounce!
He was in and out of the water so fast, I couldn't even get a decent image. Yet, there he was hanging on to a crayfish.
Gotta get this crayfish in just the right position so he can swallow it, no doubt whole.
After several catches, the Heron decides its high time for a preening session which included some 'under the hood' work. Amazing. If I didn't know better I would swear he was trying to play hike and seek with me. Hope you had a great weekend. ENJOY!
Great series of pix!
ReplyDeleteLovely colors. Im glad you were able to get these shots.
ReplyDeleteWhat fantastic, timely shots! Were you just snapping away? I don't think I've ever seen this heron before. A beautiful speciman.
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