The Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath),
also known as the Giant Heron, is a very large wading bird of the heron family. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa, with smaller numbers in Southwest and South Asia.
This is the world’s largest heron. The height is 120–152 cm (47–60 in), the wingspan is 185–230 cm (73–91 in) and the weight is 4–5 kg (8.8–11 lbs.).Among standard measurements, the tarsus measures from 21.2 to 25.5 cm (8.3 to 10.0 in) and the wing chord averages around 60.7 cm (23.9 in) in length. The culmen measures from 18 to 20 cm (7.1 to 7.9 in), while the bill from the gape measures around 24 cm (9.4 in).
Goliath Herons are solitary foragers and are highly territorial towards other Goliaths entering their feeding territories.
This particular bird I found at Lake Panic in the Kruger National Park, and as I entered the hide it struck and caught a fairly large Carp. As you can see I had little time to take the photograph, and in front of me was a fairly large Lady with a big camera and lens, her arms were just as big and I was not going to argue with her.. but here’s the result…
It left the water and went into the taller grass where it either swallowed it whole or left it for later…
A half hour later it re-emerged and drank water and took a bath, before returning to its original fishing spot.. must have been hungry…
The Photographic Journey of bulldog. 
Don’t think I’d like to be chased by one of those birds, thank you very much.
It is a big bird… but not scary… the Ostrich however…been chased by them…
makes you want to hide in the sand and more than just your head?
Wow, how cool to get shots of the heron catching a fish!
pure luck .. right place at the right time…
Amazing!
Thanks Inga..
Super shots Rob, and that is one big bird ! Glad you included the measurements…I’m sitting here at the kitchen table…it’s wings would cover it!
Thank you… a graceful flier as well….
WOW! You are amazing dear Rob, these are great shots, wonderful timing. Thank you, love, nia
Thanks Nia…
Fantastic pictures!
thank you…
Fantastic action shots – you should take pics for National Geographic! 😀
Now that’s a big complement… thank you…
that first shot, spectacular catch, for both of you!
It could have been better if the arm was not in the way…. but thats nature photography for you… got to be ready and in the right place
Amazing shots! WOW!
thanks….
What an amazing bird. I’d love to see one in flight some time. With a bird that big, it must be impressive.
It looks a lot smaller when in flight as it folds the neck back… but still a wonderful wing span shows it’s size…
What kind of nests do these magnificent birds have? For a moment the thought brushed my mind that it was leaving the fish in the nest for its young to feast on. But the nest couldn’t be in such an accessible spot: probably up high in a tree…
They nest in trees with quite a big nest normally placed near water…. I posted moths ago photos I took of a nest and it’s young..(not very good photos) but now can’t find it to give you the link,,, when I find it I’ll send it to you…
Beautiful photos again, bdt. Such elegant birds. 🙂
That they are thanks…
This guy gives new meaning to the description of Big Bird. Wow!
Not quite as big as the saddle bill, but yes big…
I love that first photo regardless of the annoying lady’s arm. Absolutely beautiful.
Thank you… she was bigger than me and I’m not small
What a beauty!
Thanks Dear…
very interesting shots…Hope the heron left it:)
I think he ate it… must have had trouble swallowing but needed to put it down and turn it for swallowing…