Harsh Reality (not kid safe, but *is* work safe)

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

05/06/2012 05:58:26 PM · #1

**WARNING - The series of images below show a Heron catching and eating something VERY cute. If it makes you cry...I warned you...
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I found this very sad and exhilarating at the same time, sort of like driving past an accident. I mean, I hated to see the baby duck get caught and eaten...but at the same time, this is a series of photos you might just get one chance in a lifetime to capture. It's really odd, that we never seem to feel bad for the fish that gets caught...but when it's a little baby duck...it's really hard to take. I think it's because its cute, and the fish isn't. Plus....bird eating bird somehow seems wrong.

First attempt...a miss....however....2nd attempt....errr....

Message edited by author 2012-05-06 17:59:06.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

05/06/2012 06:02:23 PM · #2

Wow! I had no idea that herons would eat young ducks, but I suppose it makes sense. They are prey-sized, and if Mr. Heron is hungry, well...

KarenNfld

05/06/2012 06:04:32 PM · #3

Wow, what a great series! It is a bit weird seeing the heron eat the duckling and it just doesn't feel right, like you said.

RayEthier

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

05/06/2012 06:10:27 PM · #4

Yep, they eat ducklings, frogs, baby turtles, fish...pretty much any thing that moves and that they can swallow.

Ray

05/06/2012 06:12:38 PM · #5

The workers at this park said that they have even seen squirrels grab baby ducklings and drag them into their holes. I was even more surprised to hear that.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

05/06/2012 06:13:35 PM · #6

btw...is it just me...or are Great Blue Herons and Grey Herons a LOT alike?

Kelli

Canon EOS-D60

05/06/2012 06:33:07 PM · #7

I think we view it as a type of cannibalism, and that's why it feels wrong. Plus there's the cute, cuddly factor. The great circle of life, eat or be eaten. Great series!

Lydia

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

05/06/2012 06:53:31 PM · #8

What a fascinating series, Christopher!

I didn't know they ate baby ducklings either. *sigh*

Fascinating.

Thanks for posting.

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

05/06/2012 07:32:18 PM · #9

Thanks everyone. I was a little worried I would get flamed into oblivion!

cowboy221977

Canon EOS-60D

05/06/2012 08:04:07 PM · #10

excellent shots..It shows how nature is

dswann

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

05/06/2012 08:19:51 PM · #11

It's a harsh world. Great job getting those shots.

scooter97

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

05/06/2012 11:40:53 PM · #12

As you said, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. I would have taken the images and posted them as well. Great Blue Herons will eat just about anything that they can swallow whole. I have seen squirrels on 'their' diet. I was also surprised to hear that squirrels were predatory. I had a Mourning Dove nest in one of my window frames recently so I did some research on them. It was mentioned there that the baby doves were vulnerable to squirrels. Sounds strange...

Enlightened

Nikon D7100

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

05/06/2012 11:45:03 PM · #13

Get me some kleenex...sniffle sniffle...but great shots! Congrats!

toddhead

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

05/07/2012 01:32:24 AM · #14

There is a Heron that frequents a field by my house to do some mouse hunting. It really blew me away the first time I saw it.

I have to admit that I didn't look at your pictures. I am sure they are great, but when I lived in Virginia we had a duck that nested in front of my house every year, so I have a big heart for ducklings.