Canopy Fishing

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Gaduf

Gaduf

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Caught this Black Egret in the shallows of the Chobe River preparing to fish.
They have a very unique way of using their wings to create an umbrella shaped canopy over the water - which makes it easier for them to attract , spot , and catch the fish below them.
Gavin
Black Egret
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Canopy Fishing
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NorthernFocus said:
That is so cool, Gavin. Would love to witness this in person. Nice job and TFS.
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Many thanks for your kind feedback, Dan.
The Chobe River, and Chobe National Park in Botswana is very special, and has a huge variety of African wildlife . Very popular with wildlife photographers from all over the globe.
I am aware that you are very far away from here, but it is well worth a visit.
Gavin
 
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Gavin - One word - Excellent! 😍 Your exposure is spot on. I have many images of them doing the canopy, but in not a single one is the colour as nice as you have it here!
Mooi Man!
 
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Irap said:
Beautiful Shots Gavin, they act like our Reddish Egrets.
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Many thanks for the feedback Ira,
I have only seen your Reddish Egrets in this forum, as we do not see them in my part of the world.
Nature is amazing in how different birds are equipped with techniques to capture their prey.
Gavin
 
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K9Kirk said:
Wow! I've never seen a reddish egret do it quite like that. They seem to have perfected the technique and took it a step further.
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Many thanks for looking and commenting Kirk,
Yes, these Black Egrets are fun to watch as they create the canopy - a natural umbrella.
Gavin
 
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Gaduf said:
Caught this Black Egret in the shallows of the Chobe River preparing to fish.
They have a very unique way of using their wings to create an umbrella shaped canopy over the water - which makes it easier for them to attract , spot , and catch the fish below them.
Gavin
Black Egret
View attachment 84701
Canopy Fishing
View attachment 84702
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REMARKABLE SHOTS! Great series/share!
 
Member's gallery
Gaduf said:
Caught this Black Egret in the shallows of the Chobe River preparing to fish.
They have a very unique way of using their wings to create an umbrella shaped canopy over the water - which makes it easier for them to attract , spot , and catch the fish below them.
Gavin
Black Egret
View attachment 84701
Canopy Fishing
View attachment 84702
Click to expand...
Well seen and captured behaviour, not least the exposure well controlled with great lighting on the plumage.....such detail in the flight feathers and overall. TFS

I understand such behaviour to be called mantling. It is seen in raptors 'protecting' their prey from other birds that might attempt to nab an easy meal.

In the case of the Black Egret that you illustrate I think they are likely (in the main) creating a shaded area and many fish will seek out such shade......so in this case perhaps not so much protecting it's caught prey but setting a trap, so to speak.

PS on our trip in September I don't think we saw Black Egret let alone such behaviour.
 
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