The Black Heron or Black Egret (Egretta ardesiaca) is a common small
heron in Africa and can
sometimes be observed at the edge of lakes or swamps.
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| Black Heron in Gambia (Egretta ardesiaca). |
These birds a famous
for (so called) canopy fishing. They from an umbrella with the wings, wait 1 or
2 seconds, go some steps apart and do it again. The scientific explanation is
that they attract small fishes with the shadow of the wings but small fishes
swim away when
a shadow
appears suddenly on the water. In addition, the time is too short to attract fishes. I think
they make it to reduce the surface reflection. Nevertheless, they are clever birds and really funny to
see.
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| Black Heron forming an umbrella. |
 |
| Look around if everything is safe. |
A few steps further ...
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| Canopy fishing again. |
Shared with Weekend Reflections, Id-rather-b-birdin, Wild Bird Wednesday and Nature Notes.
Fantastic shots of the heron fishing.
ReplyDeletesuperbe volatile ;o)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Happy Weekend Reflections.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting story about the fishing of black heron... The photos are amazing... Nicely done...
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post..I love birds and this is so interesting..thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThe most stunning is the dove standing in the water next to him... Nice first shot, very intriguing !
ReplyDeleteStrange, funny and interesting! A real discovery for me, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis is a grat serie!
ReplyDeleteWell done!
Fantastic shots. I've never come across a Black Heron before, so thank you for enlightening me.
ReplyDeleteBlack heron? I have never heard of them before, but I love the herons we have in Canada so would likely want to search these out too...if I could. ;))
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of him fishing!
ReplyDeleteFabulous shots of the heron fishing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning bird!!! Thanks for sharing your images.
ReplyDeleteNever seen this type of fishing before.
ReplyDeleteI read about this bird a few days ago, so nice to your images of it. Nice catch. :)
ReplyDeleteNever heard about canopy fishing before... really interesting behavior and great photos.
ReplyDeleteA great series of photos and very interesting to see how the heron spreads its wings like that.
ReplyDeleteCool series on the heron! Great captures!
ReplyDeleteNice timing to be able to capture this behavior!
ReplyDeleteHow cool is that!!!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant set of images showing this behaviour, love it, great post
ReplyDeleteInteresting behavior. Our Wood Storks and egrets also produce shade with their wings, not to this degree. Supposedly it is for the same reason-- the stork stirs the water with its feet and it is said that the fish seek shelter in the shade and venture into their open bill. Since they are tactile feeders this makes sense. But herosn? I share your skepticism.
ReplyDeleteReally cool shots! Love the umbrella stance. Visiting from I'd Rather B Birdin'. :)
ReplyDelete