Opportunistic Feeders....Beauty and Blood....
Sep 29, 2016 16:28:02 #
In NE Florida we had a significant dry spell this late summer where many fresh water ponds dried up. On this image the background is the mud bottom of a drying pond with a little bit of water showing to the right. Their usual diet of fish and crustaceans for this Great Egret must have been in limited supply. I would guess that the dried blood on the front of its neck may have followed a testy battle with a small mammal for its breakfast. It is my understanding that mice, vols, snakes and even small squirrels offer dietary opportunities for them. I would be interested in your opinions... what other "hoggers" may know or have seen. Nature is amazing! Thank you!
Sep 29, 2016 18:59:56 #
Dr J wrote:
In NE Florida we had a significant dry spell this ... (show quote)
Never seen that before. Good capture. I can't help feeling sorry for the egret.
Sep 29, 2016 20:43:01 #
ebrunner....thanks! A little love "shout out" for the its breakfast too! Think the egret got the best of it. But not sure - nature can be be brutal! Thanks for the comment!
Sep 29, 2016 22:22:58 #
Sep 30, 2016 05:24:45 #
Sep 30, 2016 06:01:44 #
Sep 30, 2016 06:05:56 #
Thank you J-SPEIGHT. I must have watched the egret for 10 minutes before he started to move his head around.... and had not seen blood on an egret's neck before.
Sep 30, 2016 06:39:27 #
Sep 30, 2016 06:41:05 #
Sep 30, 2016 08:38:13 #
If it is blood, it may have just dripped down from his last victim. The egret looks healthy to me.
Sep 30, 2016 09:49:12 #
Sep 30, 2016 10:28:48 #
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Sep 30, 2016 12:14:42 #
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