Recently, near Jiu Yan Bridge in Chengdu, Sichuan, multiple herons were seen standing motionless in the water, all facing upstream in perfect formation. Resembling a well-trained squad, they patiently awaited their prey, creating a striking spectacle that quickly caught the attention of many passersby.

According to experts, these herons have gathered at the rolling dam under Jiu Yan Bridge because the water here is relatively shallow and teeming with fish. By spreading out, they maximise their hunting range, using their sharp vision and lightning-fast reflexes to catch fish as they swim into the area. This seemingly "queued-up hunting" behaviour is, in fact, an efficient feeding strategy developed through evolution.

Shen You, president of the Chengdu Birdwatching Association, noted in an interview that herons are a common waterbird species in the region. In recent years, their numbers have been steadily increasing due to continuous improvements in the local ecosystem. The sight of herons hunting collectively under Jiu Yan Bridge serves as a testament to the city's environmental progress.