In Stealth Mode
Normally when I see great blue herons fishing, they just wade right out into the water completely in the open. But when I saw this bird suddenly pop his head up out of the reeds in the salt marsh, I suspected he may have devised a new plan. Sure enough, he decided to go into full stealth mode.
The heron tiptoed his way slowly and carefully through the reeds stalking his prey like a sneaky predator. (anyone else come to mind when reading this description?) He tried one way, then reversed direction and tried the other way. Unfortunately this method did not appear to be a huge success, I never saw him catch any fish.
But I do have to give him credit for trying a new technique. Who knows? Maybe next time it will work perfectly!
Phil Lanoue Photography 
Phil, this is one of my favorites of your photo series. I love the intent and tenacity you captured in the photographs of this great blue heron. I could take a few lessons in “stealth mode” from this fella! Unfortunately technique isn’t the biggest part of the capture… it’s patience! At least that has been my faux pas!
Thanks so much and I’m thrilled you enjoyed seeing the stealthy GBH! This guy was fun to watch for sure!
Another great series of captures!
I appreciate you checking them out, thanks!
You never know ’til you try…
These birds can be quite smart, but they can also seem a bit confused at times. We have seen some stand there with fish bumping into their legs and they appear perplexed about how to catch them.
This is quite comical to see, Phil. You really caught his intent and sneaky expression. It’s a pity his strategy didn’t work, but happy for the fishies. 🙂
Sometimes the fish do win one. More often these big herons score, but not this time. Thanks Sylvia!
Beautiful Shots, and beautiful birds.
Thank you, I really enjoy watching these big guys!
Can’t fault him for switching it up a little. Great series!
It’s smart of him to think of a different tactic, gotta give him credit for that. 🙂
Bellissima serie di scatti!!
Ciao, Pat
Hey, grazie Pat! 🙂
Such a cute series. He must have figured out he wasn’t so invisible after all. But props for trying out his ninja skillz. 🙂
I was thinking ninja too! Funny! I almost gave these photos that title. It’s comical to see one of these big guys sneak around and probably forgetting how easy they can be to spot.
The truth is he was trying to get away from you but all you could think of was comparisons to that other guy:)
It’s possible I have alligators on my mind a bit disproportionately to other wildlife. Just possible.
Interesting sequence, Phil. I’ve seen reddish egrets doing the back and forth stealth tactic on the edges of mangroves. No, I didn’t see it work for them either but then they had all day and I had fishing to do! RH
The reddish are fun to watch when they put up their wings and do that rapid motion dance routine. Sometimes these snowys and the tricolors will use similar techniques. Thanks much for looking.
Awesome shots Phil
I’m really happy you enjoyed seeing our sneaky GBH!
These are terrific pictures, Phil! I’ve seen our grey herons do this occasionally – they don’t have much luck, either!
Most often we see these herons stand around in one spot and maybe walk a little. I wonder how they decide to switch up the fishing method?
This is a great capture of stealth hunting! He is so focused!
It’s funny how sometimes they can get so focused and seem to tune out everything, while other times they appear to be barely paying attention.