Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Herons and ducklings don't mix


This grey heron was not shy ... he was very compliant while I snapped some photos very close to him. He also decided to give us a nature lesson. Just a few moments after taking yesterday's picture, my wife pointed out a duckling that was swimming in the canal. Not a second later, the heron swooped in, grabbed the duckling by the feet, and took off with it. We looked on in horror as the duckling's mother chased the heron to no avail. We know that it's part of nature's plan, but we had no idea that herons ate anything other than fish. I still admire herons for their grace and their fishing acumen, but now everytime I see one I'm going to think of that poor little duckling! So yesterday's guesses were correct ... it's not an easy task for young wildlife to survive.

3 comments:

don said...

on the dutch TV there was last week a special documentary about the blauwe reiger in Amsterdam. it was very funny to see. Those birds are just like people.

Anonymous said...

beautiful blog...

Anonymous said...

Nice photo and a bit of nature talk. I like your posts lately.

Today—
Their beaks close, their eyes shut and their heads flop over the edge of the nest.
American Robin series starts today in Brookville Daily Photo.