Two shots of a great egret capturing its prey in a field at the Ellis Creek Water Recycling Facility. Watching these birds stalk around fields is always interesting, as they stealthy move forward, very carefully placing each footfall. Then you know when they've spotted something, since they tend to crane their neck for a better view, as well as very carefully move to the perfect striking range.
Before this encounter, I had never seen an egret catch something at this close range before. At the time, it didn't necessarily strike me too much emotionally, it was simply an experience with the necessary components of nature. Predators need to capture and consume prey to survive, and prey species do their best to avoid this fate. When I started reviewing the images though, I couldn't help but feel sad for the rodent. The expression it had while struggling for its life just moments before being eaten certainly struck a chord with me (a cropped version is below).
I have been reading for years that egret could eat little rodent. Those image are very special...great encouter you had!
ReplyDeleteGreat job capturing that scene. Nature will take it's course but it's hard not to feel bad for that little guy.
ReplyDeleteWow, I had no idea they eat small mammals. The last cropped image is tragic looking, but the images are timeless. Awesome captures!
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone! I used to think that waders like great blue herons and great egrets were purely consumers of aquatic prey as well. In California though, its just as common to see these birds stalking around the pastureland as it is to see them in the water!
ReplyDeletetrés belle prise !!!!
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