We have been to Green Spring Gardens several times but recently discovered the ponds after I read about them. At the first pond we found a Great Blue Heron and turtles sunning themselves.
The heron was also busy preening itself and we sat down on a bench in a shaded spot. It was very pleasant observing for a while. Last Friday (the 24th) a visit to the garden made for a very pleasant start to the day. We went out early and only encountered a few people. By the time we had finished our walk it had become hotter and we were glad to get back to the car.
But we had enjoyed the company of our fishing heron who caught a hefty breakfast soon after we sat down.
At this point we didn't know it was heading to its fishing spot.
Our heron only moved in slow motion, walking down to the water's edge next to a weeping willow tree.
It didn't take long for him to catch that fish. As quick as a flash the wings went up...
the beak went down...
and up came the fish.
I am not sure what type of fish this is. I read somewhere that the ponds are stocked with carp, but Gregg thinks this looks more like a bass. I am leaning more to the bass. Any experts out there?
We wondered how on earth it was going to enjoy that large meal but it disappeared in a shaded area behind some bushes and trees. When the heron returned there was no fish.
This all happened within the first half hour of our visit. Not long after, our heron moved out of sight and we continued along the path.
I will share more photos of the rest of our walk soon. Thanks for visiting and I hope your day is a great one.
Blue Herons are such splendid large birds, very showy. Your fishing photos are excellent!! I have taken quite a few photos of herons fishing, but have never come near to what you did! In fact, I have been quite a failure at it! Favorite picture is #8!
ReplyDeleteI agree Ginny, they are amazing birds. Thank you, so glad you enjoyed them. Don't get these shows that often, so when they happen it is like a gift. As far as failure is concerned, I have loved each and every photo on your blog, and those moon shots and sunrises/sunsets are out of this world in more ways than one :)
DeleteThat is a substantial catch for the heron. I suspect more than one human envies him his skill.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking that myself EC. I don't fish but know several family and friends who do.
DeleteHerons are great at fishing!
ReplyDeleteThey certainly are :)
DeleteWOW! That is some fish he has caughty. Won't go hungry for a while.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what we thought Margaret :) Should tide him over for quite a long time.
DeleteWow! That was a big fish. Although I see herons fly over my garden no longer do I get the opportunity to see them catching fish or feeding. Oh well, gone are the days! At least I can rely on you, Denise, to show me some pictures. Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteI remember a few people who used to cover their garden ponds with netting to stop them from getting their goldfish :) Happy to share Valerie and you are very, very welcome.
DeleteUma bela sequência fotográfica.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e continuação de boa semana.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados
Thank you Francisco and the same to you :)
DeleteHello, that looks like a big fish. Great series on the GB Heron! Have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteHi Eileen, it looked huge didn't it? Thank you and you have a happy day also.
Deleteamazing capture of this handsome fisher... that is one big fish... they must be able to swallow like a snake does, something that looks to big to go down. love the wings in the air shot...
ReplyDeleteGoodness, that is so interesting. I have heard how their throats expand like that.
DeleteWow! Quite a catch!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was!
DeleteThat is one hefty meal. You know that they swallow the fish whole!!! Hard to believe.
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing, I can hardly fathom it myself.
DeleteYou take such amazing pictures of nature! Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteThank you RO, it was a real fun day, hugs back to you :)
DeleteWowzers! Great capture of the day in the life of a Heron! That's a big fish he caught.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ellen, it certainly was :)
DeleteLovely shots!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine :)
DeleteAmazing sequence!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cloudia :)
DeleteGreat shots - that was a big fish!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thanks Jan, it certainly was :)
DeleteI loved seeing the great blue heron capture his lunch, Denise! Great photography! We enjoy have lunch by our river and often see herons fishing there. ♥
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you have a river to sit often to see these beautiful birds Martha Ellen :)
DeleteGreat photos. Well done. Diane
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane :)
DeleteReally incredible photos, Denise. We did once see a bird tackle a fish that seemed way too big for him to swallow. It took a long time, but darn if he didn’t do it eventually. We could see the big bulge in his neck.
ReplyDeleteThat blue heron is a handsome bird. It must have been well satisfied with its catch of that big fish! Wonderful capture of nature whilst on your walk. Have a lovely day Denise!
ReplyDeleteLOL wow he has a mouth full
ReplyDelete:-) New follower :-) Thank you for sharing awesome photos. LOVE THEM all
ReplyDelete