Waterbirds & Waders: Photographing Nature’s Best Fishermen
By Mike – Patient Observer of Marsh Life
Shorebirds and Waders Photo Albums
Why I Love These Long-Legged Characters
Nothing tests a photographer’s patience like waterbirds. I’ll never forget the time I waited three hours for a great blue heron to strike – only to have my camera battery die the second it moved. That’s when I learned: these birds operate on their own schedule, and we’re just lucky to witness it.
From the elegant great egrets to the comical American coots, waterbirds combine grace, humor, and pure wildness in ways that keep me coming back with my camera, season after season.
What Makes Waterbirds Special
1. The Art of Standing Still
- Herons can stand motionless for hours, then strike faster than you can blink (about 0.2 seconds!)
- Photography fail: Countless shots of “empty” water where a bird just was
2. The Gangly Adolescence
- Young herons and egrets look like awkward teenagers with bad haircuts
- Personal favorite: A juvenile green heron with feathers sticking up like it forgot to brush its hair
3. The Unexpected Personalities
- Snowy egrets will dance to stir up fish
- Great blue herons have been known to steal fish from each other (and fishermen)
4. The Camouflage Masters
Embarrassing moment: Photographed what I thought was a bittern… that turned out to be reeds
Bitterns can disappear in reeds by pointing their bills straight up
My Most Memorable Waterbird Moments
The Heron That Used My Kayak as a Perch
While floating quietly, a great blue heron landed right on the bow of my kayak. We floated together for 10 magical minutes before it flew off.
The Egret Fishing Tournament
Watched five snowy egrets competing in a marsh, each with different fishing techniques. The most aggressive one won.
The “Dancing” Little Blue Heron
Caught one stamping its feet to scare up fish, looking like it was doing the cha-cha.
The Time I Became a Bird Blind
A green heron used me as cover, hunting from just feet away as I stood frozen.
Photography Tips for Waterbirds
- Get Low
Eye-level shots create intimate portraits. This might mean:
- Lying in mud (bring a trash bag)
- Shooting from a kayak (waterproof your gear)
- Watch the Light
- Early morning creates golden reflections
- Overcast days reveal subtle feather details
- Patience Pays Off
- Arrive early and stay late
- Let the birds get used to your presence
- Respect Their Space
- If birds stop hunting/preening, you’re too close
- Never disturb nesting areas
Meet the Birds [Your Photo Galleries Here]
Great Blue Herons
- Cool fact: Their neck vertebrae act like a spring-loaded fishing spear
- My shot: One swallowing a fish sideways in a comical struggle
Snowy Egrets
- Cool fact: Those golden feet help stir up prey in muddy water
- Action shot: One mid-dance, with water droplets flying
Green Herons
- Cool fact: One of few birds known to use tools (like bait!)
- Rare capture: One dropping a twig to lure fish
American Coots
- Cool fact: Their lobed toes make them clumsy walkers but strong swimmers
- Funny moment: One running across water to take off
Why These Birds Matter
Waterbirds are wetland health indicators. No herons? That means the fish and clean water are gone too. Many species nearly disappeared during the plume-hunting days. Today, habitat loss remains their biggest threat.
That’s why I:
- Support local wetland conservation
- Participate in citizen science counts
- Always practice ethical photography
Try It Yourself
Great places to start:
- Local ponds at dawn
- Marshy areas after high tide
- Slow-moving rivers
Remember:
- Move slowly and quietly
- Wear earth-toned clothing
- Let the birds dictate the encounter
Happy birding,
Mike
FawkesFocus.com
P.S. My waders have developed a permanent “marsh smell.” I consider it a badge of honor.
