October 23, 2009

Great Blue Heron in the Garden

Yesterday morning I was sitting in the living room and I saw a large bird out of the corner of my eye fly into the garden. Needless to say, I was excited to see this Great Blue Heron. We have only seen them visit our pond two other times. We are more than happy for them to show up. We have stocked the pond with pet store goldfish and have called our pond a "heron feeder" in the hopes that it will attract them.






One thing I could learn from this heron: patience. You have to be very patient to be a heron. He stood completely still for a painstaking amount of time. But it paid off, he scored a large goldfish. Perhaps one of the original goldfish we put in the pond 5 years ago. I have to admit I was slightly sad to see such a big one get eaten. In fact, I had no idea any of them were that big! Fortunately, there are zillions of little fish in there to grow big too.


Below, you can see he is trying to swallow the fish. It was fascinating to watch it make its way down his long throat.



He continued to fish in our pond for quite some time. Eventually I had to go to work, so I don't know how long he stayed. Perhaps we are a regular stop on his travels and I just haven't been here to see it?


7 comments:

  1. Beautiful images of a great yard bird.

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  2. I never tire of watching the Herons on the river...how nice to have one visit your pond. Hope he stays for awhile.

    www.alwayslingerawhile.blogspot.com

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  3. ...what a beautiful, beautiful series you have here. Next spring I'm going to work really hard to instal a pond. If I could lure in a Great Blue I'd be so happy. Your pond is gorgeous. Is the large, upright rock a water fountain? It is very unique if it is!

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  4. Do you feed organic fish food. I hope so!

    Nice pics.

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  5. wow! that is so super cool!

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  6. That is so cool, Michele! I really like the next to last photo - looks like he's giving you the stare down!

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  7. Wow, what an exciting visitor to your pond! Great photos!

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