Yesterday I watched a Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) fishing at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. After an extended period of cold and cloudy days, it was a treat for both of us to be out in the somewhat warmer weather. Although the the heron was really focused on its task, its results were modest—the fish that it caught may well be the tiniest fish that I have ever seen a heron catch.
I am hoping that the heron was eventually more successful later in the day—it would take a lot of those tiny fish to satisfy its appetite.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Perhaps the small fish was serving as an appetizer before the main course!
I definitely hope that was the case. 🙂
Really enjoyed this fun and whimsical look at the big GBH and the tiny fish. Water droplets are a nice touch too. Fantastic photo, Michael.
Thanks, Jet. During the warmer months we also have Great Egrets and Green Herons, but they both migrate out of the area before it gets cold. The Great Blue Heron, however, remains with us all winter.
Love it. He needs a bigger catch.
I have seen Great Blue Herons catch fish that were so large that I did not think they would be able to swallow them (but I was wrong), though in this case, the heron was obviously not all that successful.
The contrast between the scale of the bill and the tiny fish is pretty comical.
Of course, Laura, it means that the heron has great eyesight!
Awesome!!