I just got back from spending a wonderful week at Dauphin Island. My parents invited me (and my camera) to accompany them on a trip in their RV to this barrier island that sits between the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay, and which happens to be a haven for all kinds of birds!
As soon as we arrived, Mom and I left Dad in charge of setting up camp while we rushed off to get our toes in some sand! Right away, we encountered this handsome Heron who was patrolling the beach in search of an afternoon snack.
He would stare at the water intently and then quickly stab at a fish.
Then he would stroll a bit…
…turn to stare at the water…
…and repeat the process!
It was fascinating to watch how each time he came away with a catch, he would turn and head back to the sand to partake of his prize. He didn’t want the fish (which is the true definition of fast food!) to be able to swim away if he dropped it!
We watched him for quite awhile, and then left to walk the beach, assured that this Heron was one well-fed fellow.
I had a wonderful week, and can’t wait to share more posts and pictures in the days ahead!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Wonderful thing to witness. Terrific photographs!
Thanks. I absolutely loved getting to take pictures of water birds this week!
sounds like a great week! Look forward to sharing in the adventure! 🙂
And share in the adventure you shall! It really was a great week. 🙂
Looking forward to more posts and pictures.
Stay tuned…there are plenty more to come. 🙂
A beautiful bird! Great photos of an expert fisherman.
He was quite skillful!
Love the coloring of this Heron! 😄 Sounds like you had a fun week! 🐬☀️
Ooooh…later in the week I will try to post a close up of his head…talk about gorgeous…maybe I can talk you into sketching it!
Sounds like fun! 😃🎨👍
A superb series. Herons on the hunt for food can be very entertaining to watch, but you have to have patience.
This guy was fascinating. And he didn’t mind our presence as long as we kept a respectful fishing distance!
Kathy…I am going to be doing a sculpture of a heron next year and am looking for good pictures of them. My definition of a good picture is not the classic one, though. I am looking for pictures that give me the information that you don’t normally see, like what does it look like from behind, above, what do the toes look like, etc. I am hoping to get some pix of my own but if you have any that you would share with me I would love it. Let me know and I will send you my info. Thanks!!!
Happy to send you some. I likely have several that give slightly different views. 🙂
excellent! you can send them to virginiasperry@comcast.net. Thanks!
Beautifully documented feast!
I could watch him for hours on end and never grow bored. And the Osprey will get his moment to shine this evening. 🙂
The fishermen must have been green with envy at witnessing the ease with which the heron went about his fishing! Fantastic series, Kathy!
Pretty sure my Dad was jealous…he captured a piece of driftwood and a crab his first two attempts…although, to be fair, he was trying to reel the driftwood in to add to my branch collection. 🙂
Well, as long as you caught what you were after it was a good day’s fishing!
😀
What an interesting and impressive Heron. Is this a Blue Heron Kathy?
Yes…this is a Great Blue Heron…one of the larger of these kind of birds.
These photos are absolutely glorious!