At first, you might think it's a fallen tree branch.

Then it moves.

The Great Blue Heron is one of Ashby Lake's most patient hunters. It can stand perfectly still for several minutes, waiting for a fish, frog, or crayfish to come within reach.

Then...

Strike.

Its long neck unfolds so quickly that the meal is over before the fish even knows what happened.

Watching one hunt is a lesson in patience.

Next time you're at the lake...

Find a heron and resist the urge to keep walking.

Stand quietly for one minute.

You'll probably see more in that minute than you would in ten minutes of hiking.