Sometimes a Great Blue Heron’s catch is big enough for a main course, but sometimes it’s only an appetizer. The good news is that appetizers are really easy for a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) to swallow.
I included the second photo, which sequentially was taken before the first one, because I like the expression on the heron’s face. The heron seems to be both amused and embarrassed at the small size of the fish.
It’s obvious, though, that the heron does not have a catch-and-release policy if the fish is not of a certain minimum size.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
You’re right about that second photo. He looks as though he’s thinking, “It’s going to be a long day if I can’t do any better than this.”
Seriously, was that worth the effort 🙂
Love the “mid-gulp” shot – great image, Mike!
I always thought that herons couldn’t stand the cold until I saw one walking on ice. I think if there is open water, they’re there.