A Moment Less Expected; Captured.

I am constantly seeking to capture moments, and I have learnt to have few expectations. Most recently when photographing water birds like the Heron, I often see the same - ‘the stalk’, followed by the ‘lightning-fast strike’, and the ‘resulting fish or perhaps a frog or yabbie’ in tow.

Then, during a recent shoot at the local wetlands, I was tracking this beautiful Nankeen Night Heron (nycticorax caledonicus). It appeared to be navigating the thick duckweed and reeds with that characteristic intense focus …. & what happened next was a “moment totally unexpected”.

A Hard Shell to Crack -

When she finally struck, I knew it had secured something quite substantial. Looking through the viewfinder, I expected to see the glint of scales. Instead, I was amazed to see the distinct shell and limbs of a small freshwater turtle clamped firmly in her beak. While standard cuisine for the Heron is most likely fish, crustaceans, and insects (as their primary diet), nature rarely adheres to strict rules.

You see, Nankeen Night Herons are highly opportunistic feeders. This moment was a stark reminder that if a protein source presents itself—even a crunchy, difficult one like a turtle—these skilled hunters will take advantage of it. It wasn't the usual silver perch or yabby. She had managed to snare a small turtle. The image perfectly captures the struggle and the sheer surprising reality of the wetland food chain. Nothing is safe.

It reminds me that the defining characteristic of any photography; isn't the camera gear but rather patience. It’s about becoming part of the environment, finding stillness, and waiting for nature to reveal itself. Its simply expecting the unexpected - & its just thrilling!.

Capturing this rare dietary deviation is what makes spending hours worth it. It’s a privilege to document the adaptability of these incredible birds. There are more images here.