Apparently my state forgot to pay its heat bill this weekend as we are experiencing well below cold temps since late Friday night. This even came with some of the white fluffy stuff we here about so often when we return from our winter retreat. Nothing stuck which is unfortunate as one of our wells is incredibly stressed and we could have used that to help re-saturate the ground. Last week decided to haul water and top it off just to insure we stay off the new well as much as possible. Beyond that, things are definitely looking up. They are ramping me up in physical therapy and the ankle (and the rest of the body) is taking well to the work. Surgeon even released me to go without the brace for routine outings – a break the chains moment for me as I’ve been in either a boot, surgery bandages or a brace every day since January. Now I start shifting my sights from recovery to training and that is where my mindset needs to be to keep the crazies at bay. Beyond that, the only other thing to mention is the 2025 Halloween season is officially over. Today I got the last of the props back in storage and the RV back in the out building – luck would have it I had to finish it off in the freezing temps. Definitely looking forward to shifting our event back to its usual time at the end of September as my hands were constantly reminded me I wasn’t a Polar Bear. Probably should get to what brought you here today, another featured feathered friend to enjoy!
Hit the jump, but warning, wildlife was harmed in the lead up to this post.
Seems appropriate to hearken back to a setting that had PLENTY of water –
Come and read-a my story
‘Bout a man named Bri
A dry Brimfielder,
Barely kept his shallow-wells full.
And then one day
He was shootin’ at Her-on,
And all around the rocks was a-bubblin’ gold
Water that is, Texas [City] tea.
I should probably stop dating myself like that, but in my defense my relationship with that show was only reruns as I was ~4 when that show ended. So, obviously this series of shots was taken at the Texas City Dike. For those not familiar with this location, this dike is considered the longest man-made fishing pier in the world being nearly 5.3 miles in length extending out into the Texas City Channel (there does appear to be some challenges to this, but for our purposes I honor their claim). The channel is a major shipping lane to the Gulf of America/Mexico (pick your poison, I have better things to worry about) and the dike was introduced to help address sediment buildup, cross winds and then later protection for the city itself from damaging winds and hurricanes. I am not knowledgeable on how effective that is, but I do know Hurricane Ike battered it bad causing its closure for nearly two years afterwards. Note, Texas City is still there, so evidence suggests it met expectations.
Of course, today’s feathered friend could not care less about the historical significance of this particular dike, but it clearly recognizes this location as a place abundant in food. I happened to be looking for a rarity Purple Sandpiper on this trip when I came upon this Great Blue Heron that was quite proud of his capture. Somewhat fortunate for me as I never did locate that Sandpiper, which would have been a lifer for me. Before I go any further, I should mention I try not to play any favorites in the “wildlife” circle of life. The good thing about big glass is it tends to put you right up close to those raw events – the bad thing about big glass is it tends to put you right up close to those raw events. To eliminate any doubt..this fish was the life “giver” that day.
Honestly, I think this Heron was pretty proud of its catch as it basically stayed put while it bird-handled its prey completely aware I was there. This Dike can be a busy place and likely conditioned to human interaction – if not a direct beneficiary as I’ve seen them snatch up a fisherman’s castoff. To its credit, our specimen caught this likely Hardhead Catfish all on its own. Note, my fish species knowledge is right up there with my expertise on mating rituals of the Northern Bald Ibis.
There I stood/sat/kneeled/somersaulted and attempted handstands in an effort to capture as many shots I could of this feeding Heron as it speared and tossed its prize about. Linda was clearly getting restless back at the car (remember, I was supposed to be shooting a Purple Sandpiper), but I really wanted to see how that fish was going to make it down that throat. I’d seen it successfully done before, but this was the closest I had ever been to the act. Patience, patience, patience…and then…
..it achieved the proper downing position, threw its neck up and …then it stopped. A quick scan of the area didn’t reveal any encroaching Pelicans – not even a single Gull ridiculously claiming rights from afar. The peep show was over, the curtain was coming down. “Come on, my reader peeps really want to you finish this fish off!” Clearly not a persuasive argument as the Heron spit the fish back out, stabbed it again and headed for a more private place.
Sorry to leave you hanging everyone, but this Heron was just a big tease.
Well now it’s time to say
Goodby to Bri and all his shots,
He would like to thank
You folks for kindly droppin’ in.
You’re all invited back again to this locality
To have a heapin’ helpin’ of his photography
Take care everyone and for the record, I know nothing about the mating rituals of the Northern Bald Ibis…but it is one of the 10 rarest animals in the world so thinking it isn’t very good at it ha.
Wildlife Intrigued 
Fantastic pictures!
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Thank you Anneli – unfortunately I wasn’t able to bring you the completion of the dinner service, but probably not a stretch on how that ended for the fish. Take care and thanks for coming by.
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Beautiful photos, stay warm!
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Thank you John, hope you are doing well on your recovery. We are finally past this first cold snap as we are supposed to be back in the 70s for this weekend… bad news is I no longer have an excuse not to get the leaves taken care of ugh.
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Enjoy the 70s! Thanks for mentioning it, my surgery area is healing very well! I worked at a private estate in Michigan for 15 years or so doing grounds work on 15 acres of grass, back then I handled it very easily. You can mulch the leaves with the mower or blow them into the wood if you can, easy!
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So glad to hear you are progressing well. I have definitely gotten more efficient over the years handling the leaves. Luckily we only cleared an acre or two of the forest for a small yard so the area I have to care for is far less than 15 acres, but we are absolutely lined with mature, huge trees and I swear every one of those leaves ends up in my cleared area. Lately I just wind roll them with the mower and then come back with a huge tarp, blow/rake them on and drag it to the burn pit. Just have to be very careful I don’t turn my ankle in that process. Some day I’ll go the route of hiring somebody, but I’ll save that for when the body starts revolting ha.
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Body revolting, that’s me today! I couldn’t do that kind of labor today. I do miss the work though, that kind of work for 8 hours is so good for you and you sleep very well. We had a Kubota tractor with a three-point hitch and a HUGE leaf blower for the hitch, that thing could clear an acre or more of leaves into the wood super fast! It sounded like a small jet engine as it spooled up!
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We actually have a large Kubota as well with the bucket and 3-point hitch – could not run this place without it ha. I have seen the leaf blower you are referring to – the state park down the street uses it to clear off their pavement and you are exact correct, the first time I heard it coming up from behind me while running I thought a plane was crashing behind me – scared the crap out of me. I didn’t think of using that to blow my leaves into the forest…well, probably all the way through it hehehe.
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I’m glad that you have a Kubota tractor! I miss those days…
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We are dry, but our well is good. Hauling water is no fun. Excellent photos. At least that heron appears to have eaten the catfish. Our heron just stabs catfish to death and leaves them for the coyotes. I’ve seen it kill and leave two different catfish. A serial catfish killer, that one.
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At least it wasn’t snowing out when we were hauling – bright side to everything I guess ha. You have one evil Heron out there…or those Coyotes pay well – either way I would leave your fish suit home when you are out walking. Serial Catfish killer – love it!
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Here’s the video of the GBH commiting pescacide: https://youtu.be/uCeCyBMJKLI
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Damn, now that is just showing off – it is one thing to have a weaponized bill, it is another thing to know when to use it ha!
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The evil heron has damn proud of himself carrying around that huge catfish. Poor catfish.
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Well, as they say, if you got, might as well flaunt it…then stab it, beat it on a rock and then ultimately guzzle it ha! Hope all is well out there, looks like today I’ll be hauling more water.
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It’s much more fun hauling ass than hauling water.
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Absolutely…well, unless you are hauling ass from the police in which case I’d take the boring tank on the back of the truck – legs just don’t run as fast as they used to ha. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Tim!
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Great shots !
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Thank you Marc, appreciate the kind words. Hopefully next time I get this opportunity I’ll be able to bring you the full meal series – left everyone hanging on this one thanks to our specimen getting food shy all of a sudden. Take care and appreciate you dropping in.
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I never thought that heron would eat that size of a fish, that is crazy that they can do that. Great shots 🙂
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Nature is so amazing – I was wondering how it was going to deal with those barbs on the fish, but surprisingly it didn’t seem to really care in the one attempt I got to see – more research needed!! Thanks for dropping in Sandra, hope all is well there.
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Great series! Mr Heron seems very proud in deed. I am glad he could swallow his big catch.
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Thank you Takami, glad you enjoyed this hungry Heron series. At first you think there is no way that fish is going down that neck and before you know it that neck opens up and down the hatch! Incredibly surprised it didn’t need to take those barbs off from around the fish’s face first, but clearly it knows what is doing ha. Appreciate you coming by and have yourself a wonderful weekend!
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Smart heron! That fish is going to take some work to get down, and the heron will be stuck on the ground for the duration, so he needs to find a good hiding place while he is vulnerable. I wonder if the heron will remove the catfish fin barbs before swallowing. Great photos, thanks for staying with him as much as he would allow, so you could share with us. Stay warm and sure-footed, no slips on icy surfaces for you.
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You are wondering the exact same thing with regards to those barbs. I suspected it would pop those off, but it made at least one attempt to down it while I was watching and it didn’t seem at all concerned about those barbs going down the neck. I know they are smart enough to put the fin direction so they fold nicely down as they swallow, but the barbs are pretty much free flowing. More research needed for sure on that one and I’ll let you know the results. Ughhhh, I am dreading going out in the ice during December (pre-snowbirding it down to TX). I can’t afford to go through another round of rehab with this damn ankle. Right now my sights are set on the 100 miler in October and this is pretty much driving me at this point. 3 workouts a day, two therapy sessions a week and hoping to start adding in short outdoor walks to start getting ready for uneven surfaces. Linda is just glad I am up and moving more and stopped pacing around the living room like a caged animal hehehehe. Take care Sam!
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Brian,It is quite a circus to watch a Blue heron struggle to swallow a too-large fish. The one I once saw gave up and left the fish in my back yard!
I am glad to hear your leg is finally recovering. Thank you for the fantastic photos.
💕
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I could watch Herons eat all day although I do feel bad for the fish at times especially if it just wasted by a Heron with bigger eyes that its stomach! Slowly getting back in the saddle as they say – plenty more rehab left to get through, but cleared to leave the brace at home for routine outings now which feels like a huge weight has been lifted from me at least mentally. Will know more on December 16th, but everything is looking like it is healing correctly and everyone I am working with is confident they will get me back on the trail for next year’s race season so that is has definitely lifted my spirits. Take care Cheryl and have a wonderful weekend.
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Good catch, I’m always amazed at what they can actually eat.
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Right with you on that. Wish me luck Ted, we are heading down to your state over Thanksgiving in hopes of getting at least 9 new birds to put me over the 400 mark. It will be nice to finally get back out in the field after dealing with this ankle most of the year. Take care!
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You too. It’s been quiet here, cold spell, record colds actually.
Savannah has not had much, however there are bobcats around where you first enter. Scattered at Cypress / Port Royal. Also they are replacing some of the back boardwalk but might be done by the time you come down. Parking is easy by the Post Office.
45 minutes north of Cypress on 17 is Donnelley wildlife area. About 5 miles in is the big marshes. End of November is time for White Pelican flocks, Tundra Swans, and the usual egrets and herons. Good luck, need something Email me from the site.
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It warmed up a bit here, but now the temps are heading back down and betting at this point they are going to stay down from here on out. Thanks for the info and offer – we are still finalizing the plans. Beyond Gainesville to get the Snail Kite/Limpkins/Purple Gallinule we are kind of flying by the seat of our pants – wife not feeling comfortable as she likes to have everything planned out, especially during a big travel holiday. Fortunately, we do not have any commitments during this time so we can flow pretty easy – retirement is great ha! Take care and thanks again for the help!
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Yeah… I ned plans too LOL
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Nice shots! I’ll go ahead and date myself, that show was on from when I was in 7trh grade through when I was discharged from the Army. To me it was kind of like Mad Magazine – you had to sift through a lot of garbage to find a gem.
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You got me by a few years, but Mad Magazine, now that brings back a flood of memories – a lot of the jokes went over my head at the time, but I always enjoyed folding the back page to reveal the hidden scene and those crazy Spy vs Spy Magpies always cracked me up. Thank you for your service and have yourself a wonderful weekend.
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Nice photos, Brian. It is interesting to watch Nature’s creatures go about their daily lives. Guessing they may think the same thing as they watch humanity ever encroach their habitat and wonder how it will end or if it will end. Birders are a bit of the Paparazzo for Nature.
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Thank you Jerry, as you know, we are all about exploring and trying to understand wildlife behavior and getting to watch this Heron was a wonderful experience. I am sure they are absolutely dumbfounded watching human behavior – hell, half the time I am dumbfounded by humans I see when I am out and about. Never thought about being nature’s paparazzo – what a perfect way to sum it up. Appreciate you coming by Jerry
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Bigger than its head. Glad you were able to capture this sequence, well, at least what the heron wanted to share. More sensitive readers probably had to skip between the photos. Nearly a case of eyes being bigger than the stomach.
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Thanks Brad! I did feel a bit hurt it decided to move on before completing the life cycle, but glass half full, it let me get some really good shots before then. Luckily it didn’t leave it there like in Cheryl’s situation above so hopefully it managed to get that monster down the throat wherever it decided to stop. Glad you made it back safely and best of luck on your upcoming adventures – extend my well wishes to our western staff!
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Great series of shots! I like the first one with the curl of feathers on the back of its head.
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Thank yo SoyBend! I really liked that first shot as well because of that very same reason. Those plumes are so beautiful..unfortunately, the fashion industry thought the same back in the day, but happy to know that is mostly all past us now. Take care and thanks for dropping in!
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Wow! That the biggest fish I’ve seen a heron snag. Great captures!
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Kind of reminded me of my first run through a buffet in Vegas – the eyes clearly out sized the stomach ha. I assume it finally got it down wherever it decided to fly off to, but guessing it undid the belt buckle and spent the rest of the day on the recliner trying to get over the meat sweats! Take care and thanks for dropping in.
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I saw an Osprey size up a fish by repeatedly flying around it. If they can’t lift it out of the water it’s a no go. The fisherman threw it back. I think it was a stripper that was too big to keep. Either the fish was floating stunned or it died. The Osprey chose not to attempt it.
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I’ve seen an Osprey struggle mightily before it finally lifted out of the water with its catch, guessing the one you saw was looking at a whopper of a fish – and they don’t even have to swallow it whole unlike the GBHs ha! Appreciate you coming by Sharon, have a Happy Thanksgiving.
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I think it was a striper bass. It was during the time the fishermen were lining the pier. The fishermen had to throw back a lot of big ones.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
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