The hunter stood motionless. He waited patiently, staring ahead looking at the water. Nothing. Then he saw them, shimmering and breaking the surface, a school. Ever so carefully and slowly he took one step toward them. A minute later another step. Still too far away to strike. The school moved off, leaving him out of range.
The hunter took a few more tentative moves, and again stood perfectly still. Waiting and watching. Again the school moved closer, unaware of the danger this time. He coiled up and leaned a little. Then in the blink of an eye.. boom! The water exploded, and his spear struck home. The fish was his.
The Heron, with the Manhaden in his mouth rested a minute, then maneuvered his prey for the final act.. and gulp - the fish was gone.
I watched him catch two fish in this manner. It was really fascinating. I hope to get a little closer next time, though I'm not sure I'll be able to.
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| GULP! |
I also got a glimpse of a Belted Kingfisher, but the picture is a little rough. Again, I wish you could hear this guy. Here's a link to a page with his sound. Check it out if you have a minute.
In all, I hung out about 40 minutes watching all of this unfold. There have been several times when a Bald Eagle has been soaring overhead as well. This is right at the foot of the West Basin on NAS Pax. Jets flying a half a mile away, and these beautiful flyers so close by. Just awesome.
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