Birder help
Jan 18, 2021 13:23:02 #
While processing shots from my last outing to Farmington Bay, I came across this shot.
Does anyone have an idea what that is to the left of the bird on the ground? Another bird? If so, any idea what kind?
Download is probably necessary.
Does anyone have an idea what that is to the left of the bird on the ground? Another bird? If so, any idea what kind?
Download is probably necessary.
Jan 18, 2021 13:39:39 #
Jan 18, 2021 13:39:58 #
Jan 18, 2021 14:18:30 #
I thought possibly a duck Mike, it could be stood on it. You can see traces of blood about! Good shot. 
Jan 18, 2021 14:40:48 #
Curmudgeon wrote:
Black-crowned Night Heron.
Thanks, Jack. Does this bird prey on other birds?
Jan 18, 2021 14:41:01 #
NMGal wrote:
Not at all sure, but makes me think of a duck. Nice pic.
I agree, Barbara.
Jan 18, 2021 14:41:45 #
Sylvias wrote:
I thought possibly a duck Mike, it could be stood on it. You can see traces of blood about! Good shot.
Good eye, Sylvia, I think you are correct.
Jan 18, 2021 16:35:07 #
UTMike wrote:
While processing shots from my last outing to Farmington Bay, I came across this shot.
Does anyone have an idea what that is to the left of the bird on the ground? Another bird? If so, any idea what kind?
Download is probably necessary.
Does anyone have an idea what that is to the left of the bird on the ground? Another bird? If so, any idea what kind?
Download is probably necessary.
I appears to be a napping duck with its head turned and beak on its back or tucked into the feathers like this image of a mallard female, only seen from the front instead of the side. The white ring hints at it being a mallard drake.
Jan 18, 2021 16:41:02 #
Sylvias wrote:
I thought possibly a duck Mike, it could be stood on it. You can see traces of blood about! Good shot.
No blood in sight at 100%+, just discoloration of the dried reeds etc.
A napping mallard drake I do believe.
Even if the heron was inclined I doubt it would want to even attempt to take on a mallard drake that probably outweighs it and have a reputation for being a bit "belligerent" when bothered. I have seen a mallard drake stare off a very large, hostile Great Egret without moving even a bit, just stared at the egret as it came closer. And the egret was the one that backed down.
Also they are not as close as they appear - scene is foreshortened by the long lens.
Jan 18, 2021 16:47:28 #
UTMike wrote:
Thanks, Jack. Does this bird prey on other birds?
Simple answer is yes. Like most predators their diet is based on hunger, the size and availability of prey.
(edit) To follow up on Bob's comment: Herons and egrets have no ability to tear large prey into bite size pieces therefore, the size of their prey is limited to what they can swallow whole. As anyone who has watched them that can be incredibly large.
Jan 18, 2021 16:52:42 #
robertjerl wrote:
No blood in sight at 100%+, just discoloration of ... (show quote)
I really appreciate the detective work, Bob! You are a wonderful asset.
Jan 18, 2021 17:01:13 #
UTMike wrote:
I really appreciate the detective work, Bob! You are a wonderful asset.
I am a retired bored teacher who is used to doing on line research since I updated and edited my lesson plans at least once a year. And the last school I taught at for 13 years was in the "Digital High School" program with computers in every room, fiber optics and just about every educational research site know to man on our account. And some of them we had passwords so we could use them from home if our connection was up to it. Mine was/is.
And a 32" graphic arts/photo monitor allows a real good look at images.
Jan 18, 2021 17:05:29 #
robertjerl wrote:
No blood in sight at 100%+, just discoloration of ... (show quote)
That’s good to know Robert.
Jan 18, 2021 18:15:16 #
Sylvias wrote:
That’s good to know Robert.
You are welcome. Unenlarged they were just reddish brown blobs. Enlarged it is discoloration on the dried plants.
Jan 19, 2021 05:28:33 #
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