With early spring settling in, I set out on a post-work birding adventure, drawn by the call of the coastline. While I often find great blue herons nesting in trees at local parks this time of year, I knew their other secret—these masterful fishers love to hunt along the rocky shores and sandy beaches at low tide. So, camera in hand, I followed the coastline, hoping for an encounter with these patient, strategic, and remarkably intelligent birds.
I was in luck.
Just before sunset, I found not one, not two, but four different herons, each absorbed in their evening routine. Watching herons fish is something magical—every movement is calculated, every step purposeful, and when they strike, they rarely miss. Even when they drop a fish, it’s only a minor setback. They are persistent, and in the end, no meal truly gets away.
The first heron I spotted was a young one, I named her Harriet. She was standing on the shore of a quiet beach. Her plumage wasn’t yet fully developed, lacking the striking colors of an adult. I watched as she carefully stalked through the sand, eyes locked on potential prey.
Did you know that Great Blue Herons can thrive in cold coastal environments, even in winter? Thanks to their dense, insulating feathers and slow metabolism, they can wade through icy waters while hunting, making them one of the most resilient shorebirds in North America.
At one point, Harriet lunged at what I assumed was a clam but instead got a face full of seawater. I couldn’t help but laugh—I knew exactly how that felt.
The last time I was out photographing herons on the beach, I got sprayed by sand clams more times than I could count. A humbling moment for both of us, it seemed. I wasn’t sure if I had captured the shot, but upon review, there it was—spectacular.
Harriet looked to be like a young heron because she hadn't yet developed the striking white and black markings of an adult Great Blue Heron. Juveniles typically have a more uniform brownish-grey appearance, lacking the bold facial contrast and deep blue tones seen in mature birds. Over time, as she molts and matures, her plumage will transform into the more recognizable adult coloration.
The second heron, who I named Harry was a bit more elusive, fishing in the shadows beneath a large boulder. I nearly missed him, his grey-blue feathers blending perfectly with the rocks. Only his subtle movements gave him away.
Why choose such a tight, hidden spot when the open ocean stretched just beyond him? I found myself intrigued. Yet, despite my presence, he remained focused. Dinner was the priority.
As I turned away from him, another heron landed behind me on the beach, silhouetted against the golden light of the setting sun. He knew I was there, glancing at me a few times, but his mind was elsewhere—on the fish in the shallows.
The first step for Henry Heron is to be stealth and still.
Then, when the target has been acquired a dunk is needed.
And maybe another one...a little deeper...
A moment of confusion....for Mr. Henry Heron.
And then....success!! I took my time, capturing frame after frame of this regal bird, thankful for the moment he had gifted me.
After spending time with the coastal herons, I moved on to a small seaside town, hoping to extend my birding luck. Then, I heard it—the unmistakable cry of a bald eagle. Scanning the shoreline, I spotted him perched on a light buoy near the marina, unfazed as a pair of seagulls dive-bombed him relentlessly. Whether they were defending a nearby nest or protecting their feeding grounds, they made it clear he wasn’t welcome.
Yet, the eagle remained unmoved. He simply gave his feathers a shake, settled in, and continued surveying his domain as if the squawking gulls were nothing more than an evening breeze.
As I focused on a bald eagle another heron suddenly appeared. He landed gracefully nearby before slipping down to the water’s edge, moving with incredible stealth. More than once, I lost sight of him entirely as he blended seamlessly with the rocks.
Did you know that Great Blue Herons are expert fishers, using lightning-fast reflexes and precision strikes to catch their prey? They stand motionless for long periods, waiting patiently before spearing fish with their sharp, dagger-like beak.
Gulp!! Yummy in the tummy. They don't call Great Blue Heron's expert fishers for nothing.
As the sky turned pink, casting a dreamy glow over the BC mountains, I balanced my focus between the heron’s silent hunt and the eagle’s dominance over the shoreline.
.
Bald eagles and herons, side by side—right in my own backyard.
As the last light faded, the temperature dropped sharply, and I made my way back to the car, feeling the cold settle into my bones. Yet, despite the chill, my heart was full. In just 2.5 hours after work, I had witnessed incredible wildlife moments. It’s astonishing how, when we slow down, the world opens up in ways we often overlook. There is so much magic all around us, waiting to be seen.
And I am endlessly grateful to be able to share it.
Exceptional photos
It is truly magic--good going