This heron was in a small swamp in Kennebunk, Maine

Safely distancing itself from me this GBH still seems to be keep a close eye on the fellow with the camera in hand.

Shot earlier today: This GBH was checking me out while I was checking it out. A moment or so later it took aim and grabbed its next meal.

This GBH was quite a ways from any water as it walked amids the tall grass searching for prey.

For the better part of an hour I watched this same bird as it stood nearly motionless at the water's edge waiting, waiting and waiting for some unsuspecting fish or frog to get just close enough for a late afternoon snack. So much for patience.

After its long wait next to the canal this GBH flew a short distance, landing surprisingly close to me where it began strolling through the high grass searching for prey, occasionally disappearing behind the foliage and then reappearing again.

I took this photo when the GBH stopped for an instant, opening its mouth, as if to say, "Ah-hah!" As this drama played out it reminded me that millions of years ago feathered dinosaurs stalked through similar terrain in much the same way.

GOT-CHA!!!

Once the GBH visually locked onto its prey it moved ever so slowly, easing itself towards the water's edge, then: SPLASH!!! It was over before my eye-hand communication could accomplish anything - like take a photograph.

The best I could do was this shot as the GBH was almost in its upright position again, its wings not yet resting by its side, and only a small ring of disturbed water remaining in the duck weed.

It's a catfish - good eating, even by human standards. Note that the GBH's beak did not grab the catfish - a la chop sticks; both the upper and lower beak pierced the tough skin of the catfish (Note to self: I'm impressed!).