Hacking Up A Hairball?!
Earlier this week I was watching a great blue heron fishing in the salt marsh. At one point he caught a fish, not a huge fish by any means, but one that I’m sure he was happy to have all the same. Then right after he swallowed it, the heron took a few steps in my direction and stopped. I thought he had a funny look on his face, but then when he puffed himself up, I was worried that something was wrong with him…maybe the fish didn’t go down properly or all the way. Suddenly, he leaned down over the water, opened his beak and looked just like a cat hacking up a hairball! I didn’t see anything come back up though, and after a few seconds he straightened right up and went back to business as usual. I watched him for a little while longer to make sure he was okay and he continued fishing as though nothing had happened at all.
Phil Lanoue Photography 
That’s interesting! I’ve never seen that before. Great Series of shots Phil.
Thanks for looking Beedie.
Clearly a secret 40 a day habit thing going on here.. Fabulous series as ever Phil. 🙂
Thanks much!
Una serie fantastica, attimo per attimo i movimenti dell’airone!!
Ciao, Pat
Sono felice che ti piace quelle foto 🙂
Maybe he just de-boned that fishy?
Maybe…thanks 🙂
Fantastic photos again, Phil. That fish was probably fighting with Mr. GB Heron’s tonsils.
Yeah something was going on there for sure. Thanks Sylvia.
Looking at the title I wasnt to sure about having a look at your pictures , glad he managed to keep it all in and still gave a away a great photoshoot 😀
I appreciate you checking out the pics!
Poor kid! Your right it did look a lot like a cat coughing up a hair ball. Photo’s were perfect showing this story. :+)
Thanks for the kind words!
Maybe that fish was just a little too spicy.
I thought at first maybe it went down the wrong way but it looked OK. I have seen a fish fin cut the tongue of a heron.
Awesome series of photos, Phil. Excellent job capturing the action! I don’t know if I should feel bad for the heron or the fish that he swallowed!
We sometimes sorta do feel bad for the fish but so it goes in nature. Thanks Gracie.
Awesome series of shots!!
Love all the new additions!
Hope both you and Alyce are doing fine 🙂
Thanks very much for your visit Ammi, so good to see you here.
Glad you like the photos! We are fine here.
Say hi to Mum for us.
thats a pretty harry situation for that bird
It sure is!
Fab pics Phil – maybe he suffers from a bit of indigestion? 😉
Thaaaats possible 🙂 thanks for looking
Stunning pictures, wonderful.
Thanks very much Jan.
Basolutely, beautiful shots, they’re so vivid, It’s almost like watching a movie. Action with suspense. Great work.
Thank you so much for your very kind comments Dina!
Utterly amazing….. again! The shot with the feathers all fluffed up is downright funny! You really do know how to document some strange stuff going on in your swamp. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks a million Gunta! Yes we do see our fair share of odd and unusual stuff going on, and are happy to photograph it. Glad you enjoyed these photos!
Great series! I like the “Punk-heron” and I feel with the bird.
He’s a wacky bird sometimes! Thanks for viewing the heron pics!
This is awesome ! Absolutely LOVE the fluffed up shot ! Just clearing the throat my dear for the next fish.
Thanks a bunch! Glad you enjoyed the photos of our boy here with something caught in his throat. 😀
I think he just suddenly decided to become a vegan.. no more fish for him!:p
That could be it, but as much as he enjoys his fish dinner it would be tough to give up meat, 😀
Hi Phil,
stunning series, I’ve never seen before! Thank you!!!
Wish you a nice weekend
moni
Thanks moni glad you enjoyed those pics. Have a great weekend!
What should I say? Great series! You’re telling really good stories.
It’s really nice to know you enjoy the stories along with the photos, thanks!
This series just made me laugh out loud. Thanks Phil!
I’m very happy you enjoyed these!
What a great series and story! This GBH is a beauty and your photos really show his gorgeous colors and plumage!
Thanks Molly! The GBH really is a nice looking bird and although I see them often I never get tired of watching and photographing them.
Absolutely astonishing pictures Phil, I especially love the the one where he’s all puffed up and ready to hack it up!
Yeah that one kils me too. Those birds can be entertaining to observe but they have some incredible behavior and seem to be able to eat just about anything.
I love these birds! I’ve never seen it’s feathers all ruffled like that. Very cool shots!
Yeah the GBH is a huge favorite of mine as well. I spent a lot of time today watching some fly, fight, and fish.
The three F’s 😀 Thanks for looking!