November in Oaks Bottom

Today, an extraordinary spectacle unfolded before my eyes, leaving me in awe of nature’s wonders. I was a witness to a rare occurrence where a majestic Great Blue Heron displayed behavior that defied convention. Picture this – a graceful dive, reminiscent of the elegant maneuvers of an Osprey, Pelican, or King Fisher, from a height of approximately 15 feet into the glistening water below. This sight was truly remarkable as Great Blue Herons are known for their methodical wading in search of prey, employing a sharp spear-like tactic for hunting.

Adding to the intrigue, I have observed these herons engage in a clever tactic of tossing a twig into the water to lure unsuspecting fish closer. As I recount this surreal experience, I am filled with a fervent desire to capture more such moments on video, substantiating the validity of this unusual behavior. To my surprise, when I shared this extraordinary tale with a fellow photographer, skepticism clouded their reaction, failing to grasp the sheer magnificence of what I had witnessed.

In addition, I encountered various wildlife. Oaks Bottom is a sanctuary for animals such as deer and ducks, providing them a safe haven away from hunters. Here, the only shooting that occurs is that of photographs capturing the beauty of these creatures.