A Muskrat for Lunch
Outdoor Ontario

A Muskrat for Lunch

Dinusaur · 7 · 5169
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Dinusaur

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on: September 16, 2021, 08:36:17 PM
A friend of mine and I were in Presqu'ile Provincial Park on Saturday, the day the Gull Island opened to visitors. We crossed the inlet on foot to go over to the island - the water was just below my knee. Though it was slim picking in the island, on the mainland side it was a different story. Apart from various shorebirds, warblers, falcons and hawks we also witnessed an incredible event of a Great Blue Heron swallowing a hapless Muskrat. Since the time we spotted, it took about 7 minutes for the heron to finally swallow the muskrat. I have seen herons catching and swallowing voles but never a prey this big. After pausing for few minutes the heron continued its stroll along water's edge in search of another prey.






Ally

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Reply #1 on: September 16, 2021, 08:57:24 PM
That is so extraordinary. I guess they do take their chances at whatever food that is available. I need to make sure I don't look too feeble in front of these creatures.

Shortsighted

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Reply #2 on: September 17, 2021, 08:31:22 AM
I have some difficulty imagining you looking "feeble" while toting a 600mm lens. No heron would confront a weaponized Ally. You would think that a muskrat should expand the heron's stomach to such an extent hat it would need to rest after so much Muskratatouille.
« Last Edit: September 17, 2021, 01:46:26 PM by Shortsighted »

Ally

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Reply #3 on: September 17, 2021, 11:10:19 AM
Quote from: Shortsighted on September 17, 2021, 08:31:22 AM
I have some difficulty imagining you looking "feeble" while toting a 600mm lens. No heron would confront a weaponized Ally. You would think that a muskrat should expand the heron's stomach to such an extent hat it would need to rest after so much rat-tat-tui,
You don't have to imagine, you know. Sighting Shortsighted, and birding with you is still top on my bucket list. Higher than finding a Short-eared owl.

Shortsighted

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Reply #4 on: September 17, 2021, 01:48:15 PM
Be careful what you wish for. It might come true ... someday ... and then you'll kick yourself for being so .... wait for it .... SHORTSIGHTED.

Ally

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Reply #5 on: September 17, 2021, 01:59:28 PM
Quote from: Shortsighted on September 17, 2021, 01:48:15 PM
Be careful what you wish for. It might come true ... someday ... and then you'll kick yourself for being so .... wait for it .... SHORTSIGHTED.
Hahaha, good one. Maybe I can meet Goose too.

Shortsighted

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Reply #6 on: September 17, 2021, 02:46:16 PM
Goose is really a transatlantic goose that currently grazes in Sweden and is being thoroughly .... Swedish. It was either Sweden or off-world and I decided that Sweden was more acceptable. Since I am almost entirely confined to a 1 km block, virtually anywhere is as exotic as off-world. Thank goodness there is a woodlot  along the street and that Amos pond and Reesor pond are only a few minutes away, not that I visit either more than once a season, if at all.

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