Steve Lanier
P H O T O G R A P H Y
A heavy run of Chinook salmon was occurring and one was injured. This heron spotted it floundering, dragged it onto the rock bulkhead and proceeded to swallow it whole - all 2 feet of it. Wow, what a sight!
This is a head shot of a heron on the waterfront, just north of the Edmonds ferry terminal.
Herons are amazingly patient at fishing. They can stand for long periods, then when they spot something, suddenly plunge their head underwater and come up with their prey (often impaled).
I didn't know catfish that large lived in this lake, but found out. The heron eventually flew to another part of the lake for lunch.
Second shot of the heron maneuvering this catfish into position, making sure it didn't escape.
When I looked up at this heron on a platform about 20' off the ground I discovered it was staring directly at me (didn't know their eyes can see straight down). Somehow I felt like a fish in a pond.
This heron was perched on a post out in the water, and spotted a nice fish in the shallows (successful hunt!).
The heron and boy were actually quite a distance apart, but, the boy's clinging to a post looks like significant apprehension of a large, imposing bird headed right toward him.
There are numerous herons at this marsh (counted up to 16 at one time), this one was just coming for a landing.
A disagreement between 2 great blues.
Herons often perch on the roof of the boat shelters.
Discovered this heron (successfully) fishing in one of the ponds while a small crowd watched, and was able to take several shots.
This heron flipped the fish right into it's mouth and "gulp"!
Another "gulp".
They all seen to like flipping smaller fish into their mouths - kind of like popcorn.
Stalking prey.
The sudden jab of the beak into the water