Hunting techniques - GBH & RTH

[Dinusaur]

Over the past week-end during my visit to Downsview Park I observed a heron swallowing 6 mice in two separate sitting each lasting an hour. Incredible appetite. The week-before I saw the heron at the sun-flower patch and wondered what he was doing there away from water's edge. Now I know why. On this particular day he was by a stream near the small pond on the east side of the park. The heron simply waited in one spot and caught every one that passed by him. The poor red-tailed, on the hand, caught only one after two attempts. How could they compete against a carnivore like a Heron? Herons seem to be more efficient killer and hardly spend any energy in getting their food. No wonder we see more of herons than we see red-tailed. Following Rotarran's footstep I also made two short videos of both going about their business. It is interesting to see how the heron was undulating his neck just before the strike. I didn't think he was doing that to have a better look of the prey; I have a feeling that in doing so he made the mouse thinking that he was part of the surrounding plants moving with the wind. During summer months I also noticed how more efficient Cormorants were in getting goldfish in a pond compared to an Osprey. Again, no wonder they outnumber Ospreys everywhere.  

Please note that the following videos may not be suitable for sensitive viewers - discretion is advised.

1. Great Blue Heron Hunting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD5ap5RkBBk&list=UUq24iR1J-rTc1q5bxOnxhww

2. Red-tailed Hawk hunting
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QXR5G106-w&index=1&list=UUq24iR1J-rTc1q5bxOnxhww

[thouc]

Interesting video of the heron catching a vole, I think it was.

[BoboBird]

Well done Dinu.

[paul_reeves]

Cool.

[cabz]

A relative of mine got some great shots in Algonquin of a GBH eating a chipmunk!!!!!!!!!!  She said it took about 20 minutes, as I think the bird had stabbed and it was on the beak.  Guess they are opportunists, eat what ever is available and easy to catch.