He Got To Keep This One

Over the weekend we were watching this great blue heron fishing in the salt marsh. Unfortunately for him there were also several pelicans fishing in the same area. The pelicans will interrupt their own fishing if they see a heron or egret catch a fish and they will jump them to try to take it away. As you can see in the last photo, which was taken the day before, that GBH was forced to flee and lost his fish to the pelican! It’s hard to see the fish in the mud but it’s there. I’m not quite sure why the blue herons and egrets allow the pelicans to get away with this thieving behavior. I would think that a well placed peck to the head of a pelican by a bird like a great blue heron would send a strong message. I know I would not want one to be mad at me and decide to give me a shot with that powerful pointed beak.

The good news for the great blue heron in these photos is that he got to keep his fish…so the pelicans don’t always get their way and the other bird’s fish!

54 thoughts on “He Got To Keep This One”

Gunta on March 12, 2013 at 12:19 pm said:

It looks like he speared that one, rather than the usual pinch. I’ve probably said it before, but I love the detail in your images. So much to learn about these wonderful critters… Thanks for sharing!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2013 at 12:24 pm said:
  
  Yes he did indeed spear that fish. I think that depending on where they spear the fish it can cause instant paralysis in the fish so the bird can handle it easier. Of course once a fish is stuck on the bird’s bill they need to get it off in order to swallow it. This is the time frame that allows other birds such as the pelican to potentailly grab the fish away before the heron has a chance to get it down.
  Thanks you very much for looking and I appreciate your kind comments!
  
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einfachtilda on March 12, 2013 at 12:19 pm said:

So gloriously crisp photos and with you there will probably never be winter, we have again thick snow 😦

LG Mathilda

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2013 at 12:28 pm said:
  
  Ich bin so froh, dass du wie auf den Fotos
  Oh no! Sie haben wieder Schnee! 😦
  18C jetzt hier
  
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Gracie on March 12, 2013 at 12:26 pm said:

Excellent catch, Phil!
Although I sorta feel bad for the fish, I agree with Gunta’s comments, it looks like he did spear that fish.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 12, 2013 at 12:30 pm said:
  
  Thanks a million Gracie, so glad you like these photos!
  Yes he sure did spear that fish, it is not at all uncommon for herons and egrets to use that technique, especially considering they have those powerful, sharp bills.
  
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adinparadise on March 12, 2013 at 12:48 pm said:

That poor fish has had a body piercing. 😯 Amazing colours, Phil, and as Gunta says, the detail in your photos is amazing. I always enjoy my visits to your blog. 🙂

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:09 am said:
  
  Yes the body piercing runined that poor fish’s day in more ways then one. 😯
  Thanks very much Sylvia for your kind comments!
  
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janmasyn on March 12, 2013 at 1:44 pm said:

Wonderful photo’s Phil, amazing detail and sharpness.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:10 am said:
  
  I appreciate you looking and commenting Jan.
  
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lylekrahn on March 12, 2013 at 1:47 pm said:

Great closeups. Nice to know the bad guys don’t always win.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:11 am said:
  
  Thanks, it’s odd though for the pelicans to be that aggressive but I suppose if it involves a tasty fish well a bird’s gotta do what a bird’s gotta do. 🙂
  
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monisertel on March 12, 2013 at 1:54 pm said:

Hello Phil,
the 3rd snapshot is the greatest, stunning pic, love the feeling!!!
Congrats for this sensational series!
Wish you a nice day,
moni

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:12 am said:
  
  Thank you very much moni I appreciate your very kind comments!
  
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Maggie Davey on March 12, 2013 at 2:25 pm said:

What beautiful birds these herons are! Great to see it come off best!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:13 am said:
  
  Thanks much Maggie, yes I really like the blue herons, it’s rarely a dull moment when they are around. 🙂
  
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Chillbrook on March 12, 2013 at 4:20 pm said:

Another fabulous series Phil. Love the close-ups and I’m very glad the GBH got to keep his fish!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:14 am said:
  
  Thank you Adrian, I’m happy you enjoyed these GBH photos and I’m sure he is happy he got to keep that nice fish!
  
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crazytraintotinkytown on March 12, 2013 at 4:58 pm said:

I’m afraid I’m a cheerleader for the Great Blue Heron!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:15 am said:
  
  Well you pretty much have to go GBH all the way! They are (usually) the head birds in charge over at the marsh. 🙂
  
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edithlevyphotography on March 12, 2013 at 4:59 pm said:

Fantastic captures as usual Phil.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:16 am said:
  
  I appreciate you looking Edith, thanks!
  
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meyer23 on March 12, 2013 at 5:49 pm said:

Impressive pics. I love those details.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:16 am said:
  
  So glad you liked these GBH photos!
  
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mariayarri on March 12, 2013 at 5:50 pm said:

Wow , stunning photos, especially the close ups … I love nature photos, so i`ll visit you again ! // Maria

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:16 am said:
  
  Thank you very much for your visit Maria and I greatly appreciate your kind comments!
  
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Lisa Gordon on March 12, 2013 at 6:25 pm said:

Beautiful captures of a magnificent creature.
I would not want to get near that beak either!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:18 am said:
  
  Thanks a bunch Lisa, I’m very happy you liked these GBH photos!
  And no I would not want to be near one that was really mad at me! 😯 🙂
  
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Denise on March 12, 2013 at 7:33 pm said:

What gorgeous photos! You really captured the detail beautifully, and I feel for the poor fish, taking his last little gasps of water. Very nice!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:19 am said:
  
  Thanks very much Denise, I’m glad you enjoyed these photos!
  Yes poor Mr. Fish had his last gasp, not a good day to be a fish out there with so many after them.
  
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Gareth Rasberry on March 12, 2013 at 8:21 pm said:

Beautiful captures, Phil! Excellent light in these shots!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:19 am said:
  
  Thanks a million Gareth, glad you liked these GBH pics!
  
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seattlecharlie on March 12, 2013 at 8:28 pm said:

As always the photos are amazing. Thank you for sharing.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:20 am said:
  
  I appreciate you looking and commenting, thanks!
  
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norasphotos4u on March 12, 2013 at 9:11 pm said:

Just beautiful

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:20 am said:
  
  Thanks very much for looking and I’m glad you liked these photos!
  
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Rick Alonzo Photography on March 12, 2013 at 9:29 pm said:

Yeah very interesting that the pelican is the bully in this situation. I would not have guessed that! Great work!

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:22 am said:
  
  I have been seeing this quite often lately where the pelicans are getting very aggressive around feeding areas. Considering this marsh is right next to the ocean you would think they could fish there as well but maybe they find it easier to do in calm water. I’m also surprised a large bird like a GBH let’s them get away with it.
  Thanks for checking out these photos!
  
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Garden Walk Garden Talk on March 12, 2013 at 11:23 pm said:

I read your first reply to Gunta and you answered the question I had. I too wondered about the spearing. Beautiful shots.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:24 am said:
  
  I see them both grab and spear fish, not sure if there is one prefered method. Either way they have to get the fish down quick or risk losing it.
  Thanks much.
  
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thehappyhugger on March 13, 2013 at 5:56 am said:

Glad he got to keep the fish 🙂 Love the pics, Phil.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 9:24 am said:
  
  I’m sure the GBH was glad too, but the fish, eh, not so much.
  Thanks very much for checking these out!
  
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FeyGirl on March 13, 2013 at 12:12 pm said:

What beautiful, crisp images of this guy! That bill is an amazing device….

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 8:22 pm said:
  
  Thaks very much! Yes that is some piece of equipment for sure!
  
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Bella Remy Photography on March 13, 2013 at 6:34 pm said:

He made sure there was no way any one could steal this fish. Such brilliant color Phil.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 13, 2013 at 8:22 pm said:
  
  Thanks much Emily I truly appreciate your kind words!
  
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niasunset on March 13, 2013 at 8:39 pm said:

I thought that the fish between his beaks but as I see right he use his beak like an arrow, isn’t it? Every time you made great shots dear Phil, these are amazing and so beautiful. Thank you, love, nia

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- Phil Lanoue on March 15, 2013 at 10:50 am said:
  
  Yes Nia, the bird did spear the fish like an arrow! Good eye to spot that!
  Thank you I am very happy you like these photos!
  
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Andrew on March 14, 2013 at 8:29 pm said:

Beautiful photos Phil. I don’t know why but WP had once again ‘unfollowed’ me from your blog so I have some catching up to do

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- Phil Lanoue on March 15, 2013 at 10:51 am said:
  
  Well I appreciate you checking in and commenting Andrew, thanks. Yes I know WP can be buggy, just do what you can do and glad to have you around. 🙂
  
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Fergiemoto on March 18, 2013 at 5:27 pm said:

I LOVE these closeup photos of the heron! It’s one of the birds I look forward to seeing when we visit the local bird refuge.
These photos are so crisp and clear! You must have some really nice camera equipment to go along with your expert photography skills.

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- Phil Lanoue on March 19, 2013 at 9:59 am said:
  
  I greatly appreciate your visit here and your very kind comments, thanks!
  
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Pingback: Patience barely rewarded | Mike Powell
Aunti Yoly on May 8, 2013 at 10:29 pm said:

When I look at your photos I get discouraged; these words come to my mind: “It has been done.” This is a compliment an a total truth. I get the exhilaration of watching a superbly perfect, beautiful photo and I also get the sense that I will never approach that technique and passion. It is both good and bad for my spirit. I will make it a goal to at least follow regularly and come back to see more of the action of beautiful wildlife through your lens. I am trying to acquire an L lens and practicing with what I have in the hope that some day i will have the luck to achieve ONE picture that can be similar in sharpness and beauty. What can one say?

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