Night Heron - fishing with an umbrella

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Butlerkid

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Most of the time, Black Herons look like your typical wading bird—long legs, long necks, long beaks. But when it's time to eat, this jet-black African species has a pretty nifty trick up its wings: It turns into an umbrella. Not literally, of course. But while fishing, the bird will tuck its head down, spread its wings around its body, and create a sun shade of sorts. The behavior is known as canopy feeding.

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Most of the time, Black Herons look like your typical wading bird—long legs, long necks, long beaks. But when it's time to eat, this jet-black African species has a pretty nifty trick up its wings: It turns into an umbrella. Not literally, of course. But while fishing, the bird will tuck its head down, spread its wings around its body, and create a sun shade of sorts. The behavior is known as canopy feeding.

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Great series
 
What an incredible behavior! Beautifully captured. Thanks for sharing this unique bit of bird biology, Karen.

A super series of great shots.

Great series

This is a fantastic series! Very engaging.
Thank each of you so much!!!!

I wanted to add that the heron would wander in the shallows and when he sensed fish, he would very quickly raise his wings and crouch just above the water for a few seconds......then very quickly stand up again. I wanted a shot where the wings were almost closed but his head was still visible....but I didn't get a shot of that slit-second moment.

If you would like to see the heron in action, please watch Justin's video of the heron and other birds we saw during the trip.
 
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