Our long beachcombing adventures are enlivened by wildlife. Grey Herons stalking the surf line, the interface between the Atlantic Ocean and the shore, stop us in place, fascinated.
There are two varieties of “surfing” Grey Herons: those looking for a handout from fishermen and independent operators. These photographs are of the latter, active feeders searching the wash for edibles: fish and crustaceans. These progress verrrrryyyyyy slooooowwwwllllyyyy, at a level high enough to avoid breaking waves, low enough for their long legs to be submerged.
The heron appears to be mesmerized by the waves until, suddenly, the head tilts slightly, the serpentine neck extends quick as a striking rattlesnake, the sharp beak pierces the water to emerge sometimes empty.
When successful, the beak holds an improbably large fish. The heron stands there, adjusting the catch with imperceptible head motions, until the victim is aligned lengthwise with the beak and gullet. A quick jerk forward and the catch is propelled into the upper throat, which expands. A few more jerks and it is consumed whole, unchewed. An amazing process to witness and only possible if you take the time for the slow process.
Another element is the heron’s tolerance of human observers. These herons ignore us if we keep an adequate distance. Elsewhere, a heron will take wings at the slightest provocation, as simple as a glance of a human and these will fly, uttering a raucous, rasping goodbye.
These photographs are from morning excursions, the subject is backlit. Afternoons, we do not encounter many stalking herons when the light is better. The individuals looking for handouts are out in the afternoon, generally, after the fishermen has thinned out. Don’t know why that is.
Copyright 2019 All Rights Reserved Michael Stephen Wills
Beauty at its best, Michael and such wonderful pictures and such a great read too.
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Herons as gangly as they appear are incredibly graceful!
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Yes, an elegant silhouette, stately stride and flying style (we scan spot them miles away in the air) — Heron vocalization is frightful, however.
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A Blue Heron frequently visits a pond nearby. He is amazing to watch, but he will fly away if I approach too closely.
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Heron’s are wary in upstate New York, as well.
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Amazing! Love every single shot. ❤️
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Irene, your compliment is appreciated as I was concerned the technical qualities of the camera phone would be distracting.
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Nope, not distracting. Nicely done. 😊
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Michael, your description of the heron catching and eating its meal was a delight to read; I could see it happening in my mind’s eye! 🙂
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That is the effect on readers writers seek, thanks Carolyn!! We love beach walking.
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What a catch.<3
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