Black Heron (Egretta ardesiaca) also known as the Black Egret.
A black heron on a mission to find food…. I don’t know how many of you remember my post on his hunting technique… so I add a quick link to it. CLICK HERE OR HERE AND IF YOU LIKE HERE.
This little guy was very active in the dirty water shooting here and there looking for a spot of food… here are a few of my captures….
The yellow feet still fascinate me and I found this on the net… “This is a specialized Egretta, well adapted to its peculiar feeding behaviour. For example its flight feathers are particularly broad and its plumes also are shaped to help complete the closed canopy. Its distinctively coloured feet are similar to other egrets, but interestingly unlike the other species, the Black Heron’s legs do not change colour in the breeding season, suggesting that dark legs are important in the functioning of the Canopy behaviour….
I love the plumage on this bird… the long feathers on the back are a special feature… all part of the canopy when fishing…
and now for the canopy fishing position…
This was a very well behaved bird…. no pooping in Bulldogs face…
Fantastic captures of this fascinating bird. Love the ones of him walking around, and I love the yellow feet too. :)
Thanks Inga…
These are wonderful photographs. I am astounded by his hooded hunting technique. Amazing how nature modifies itself for survival. I looked at the technique in the other post too. This is fascinating stuff, Rob.
Thanks George, it is fascinating to watch and specially to see the success he has…
The feather detail is fantastic. He looks like he’s wearing a sumptuous black cape. And then to hold his canopy fishing position for you was amazing. I’ve only seen pictures of that online. :-D
Thank you… did you look at the link where I have a full sequence of the fishing style…?
Too cool! I have now!
The 3rd and 4th pics look as though the bird is skateboarding! Terrific pics, bulldog.
Thank you Genie… it must be the yellow feet…
Fish hunting in style! Beautiful plumage, impressive canopy hunting position, fascinating habits, Black Heron rocks! Have a great weekend my friend. Best of blessings to you & your family.
Thank you so much and you have the most Blessed weekend as well
Wow, I’ve never seen a black heron, love the third and fourth shots with the reflection and the yellow feet.
Brenda
Thanks Brenda… glad you have seen one now
The canopy shot was very interesting. Do they really do that for fishing? The spread out wings would make shade and the fish would swim towards it, like they would to any shadow made by surface weeds, I suppose. But how tricky he is!!
They are fascinating to watch… they will rush to a spot, form the canopy and pop out again moving on to the next spot… they are very efficient fisherman that I can tell you, so what ever it is it works for them…
I’d love to see a picture of YOU waiting for the right capture. Your concentration must be intense. You manage to get your shots at the exact right moment when the lighting is perfect. Beautiful pictures!
I think you would laugh if you had to see me dodging here and there, trying to anticipate what the bird is going to do… has it seen me? must I hide more? peeping around trees as I stalk them… I must look a real card while at it…
Really amazing habits. Lovely shots. I’m still wondering what Nature was aiming for with the striking colour of those feet. Perhaps to show up anything swimming over them?
You could be right Col… all research I’ve done they say it must have something to do with the canopy feeding…
Those gold feet are something else. I’m learning more about these unique birds around here….fun. Great shots as usual :-)
Thank you Ingrid… so glad you’re getting some bird photography in… keep at it, it gets easier when you start creeping around on your belly to get the shot…
Those yellow feet are great. I saw the pic with the feet and thought – way cool and then the very next scroll down you mention them again – great minds think alike my friend. :-)
I thought you’d pick that up…
I think you have introduced this magnificent bird to me before. Fantastic gallery – stunning bird – my favorite is the last of the bunch. Can see every feather on his wings and back. Very regal. Missed beginning of this post, were it say you have done an earlier post.
Thanks Viveka, done a few on this bird… it is a favourite…
hahahah, loved the last one Rob! Stunning shots as usual my friend. They are so beautiful and you’ve captured them so well! Thanks for sharing. :D *hugs to you and Linda*
Thanks Sonel… such a nice comment…
Love the yellow feet! Love the photos!
Thanks Diana
Splendida sequenza di foto, sono bellissime!!!
Bravissimo Bulldog :-)
Ciao, Pat
Thanks Pat…
Great sequence of photos! Love those yellow feet and that final canopy shot. :)
Thanks LuAnn… the linked post shows a full hood and open sequence,,, but you probably viewed it the first time when I posted it…
Love that last shot – so unusual.
If you go to the link I have a whole sequence of the hooded fishing…
Very kind of stark and unreal looking. Fab pictures as always Rob!
Thank you Vanessa…
OOOHHHH…..so cool!
Thanks Mrs P.
Wonderful
Thanks..
Beautiful photos, Bulldog. What a beautiful bird. God’s creation is just so fascinating, isn’t it? He had a purpose for making those yellow feet. Just amazes me. I am so thankful you bring this to myself and my family so willingly. And no pooping today!! Yay!! =)
Thanks Skye… I’m sure the yellow feet are something to do with his fishing… when he hoods up it must be dark down there then his feet could attract fish… or it helps him not bite them… did you go back to the old post??
My old post? Not sure what you mean.
Bite his own feet….wow….that is amazing. He does think of everything. :)
Click on the link to see the captures of the hooded fishing…
Yes!! I just did!! I could not get it to work before from my iPhone, just so you know. But, from the computer, the link worked fine!! I will show them both to my kids when they wake up. I know they are going to enjoy these. I love when the wings are all spread like a big cape.
I just realized, I have tons to catch up on with you. We only met in about February or March of 2013. You were blogging well before that!! Will have to go back and check it all out!!!!
Don’t worry about going all the way back… you might get lost… just keep watching, I’ve improved with time like a good wine…
with 557 posts and more than half of them before that time you won’t find time for the new ones… lol
lol…Some things are worth it. Your blog is definitely one of those things. As time presents, I am there!! Probably won’t comment on each, so I do not give you extra work in responding, but I will “Like”.
Great shots today Rob. For a moment in the third and fourth pictures I thought the bird was surfing across the water, but it’s just my vivid imagination. As you say, amazing feet and fishing technique, both of which I have never seen before.
Thanks Brian… the yellow is found on the small egret as well, it is a wader, but does not use the “hood” to fish… I wonder about its yellow feet as well…
Lovely pictures…beautiful birds.
Thank you..
Quite an interesting bird. I’m fascinated by it’s legs! The first two “blue” photos are absolutely beautiful. Blessings my friend!
Thank you…