I published an article a little while back about a young Red-shouldered Hawk that slipped past me and actually tried to catch a Tricolored Heron. The Heron was of course too big and fast. Click here to view the post.

Following the rule of ‘keep shooting’ I stayed with hawk after he missed the Tricolor.

The Red-shoulder landed on another big branch, still looking for prey. There were all kinds of wading birds right in this spot. He knew and was alert.

However, about the same time as the Hawk landed a Night Heron jumped off the same tree. He had been higher up in the branches and watching the action.

The Black-crowned Night Heron was taking no chances with the ambitious Hawk. He was gone by the time the Hawk could decide what to do, and by now lost the element of surprise here.

The rule of ‘keep shooting’ comes from sports photography. Many of the best, and iconic, photographs are shots taken immediately after the main action has occurred. Basically holding the button a little longer in case something happens.

Of course I don’t always do it, but it’s a good idea.