Tri-colored Heron - Study of the fishing technique

IraRunyan

Other than the Reddish Egret, the Tri-colored Heron is the most active wading bird you will observe feeding on fish in shallow waters. They will in the course of the day capture hundreds of minnows one after the other. It's fun to watch, but the action is so fast that you may not be able to see the mechanical details of the of the fishing technique with the naked eye. This short sequence demonstrates the details of a Tri-colored Heron capturing a minnow.

1. The minnow has been spotted by the Heron.......


2. The plunge into the water for the minnow........


3. The withdraw from the water.....


4. Turning of the head while withdrawing.........


5. Still turning the head upon the withdraw.......


6. The "Flip" to get the minnow in position to swallow.....

PGM

Nice behavioral series, Ira, --and a flip to boot! Best, Pam