Tri-colored heron hunting (56K mega warning)

[Maestro]

I took these pictures one morning at the Laguna Madre Nature Trail/Wetlands on South Padre Island, Texas. I have more to post but I will start here. I am also posting in the Lounge and Photog forums since there are quite a few bird aficionados that do not frequent the Birders forum. C & C always welcomed and I hope you enjoy this glimpse into Nature. We need to do more to save it. :thumbsup:

First here are few pics of the wetlands. I'm not a landscape photographer sadly.









I stood basically here while taking the pictures. Notice the bird droppings. It's quite a popular perch. :rofl:



On to business....

Heading into a small inlet this tri-colored heron was searching for the small fish that inhabit the wetlands.


"Hey, what's that?" it ponders.


Better go in for a closer look.


Ready to strike


Sadly I missed the actual strike, but here are the fruits of the effort. I hope this compressed image allows you to see the two fish it caught.


Another view


After eating, it flew onto the deck to preen. This is a funny capture.
:)

I stayed there for hours over a period of three days. I really loved it there. But I had to say good-bye until next time. I left a beautiful sunset...







And I left the heron still doing what it does best.